There is something truly magical about the first time a float dips beneath the surface of the water. That sudden tension on the line, the silver flash of a fish breaking the surface, and the wide-eyed excitement of a child realizing they’ve made their very first catch—these are the moments that holiday memories are made of.
At Perran Springs Holiday Park, we offer more than just a place to pitch a tent or stay in a luxury pod. We provide a gateway to the peaceful, rewarding world of coarse fishing. Nestled within our 21-acre Cornish valley are three beautifully maintained, well-stocked lakes: Mayfly Lake, Butterfly Lake, and Dragonfly Lake. Our three Lakes are private and FREE to use for all our guests.
Whether you are a parent looking to teach your children a new skill or a total novice wanting to try a relaxing hobby during your Cornwall getaway, this guide will help you navigate your first angling adventure.
Why Choose Perran Springs for Your First Fishing Experience?
Many people find the idea of fishing intimidating—the gear, the knots, and the rules can seem like a lot to learn. However, Perran Springs is designed to be the perfect “classroom” for beginners.
Exclusivity: Our lakes are reserved strictly for our guests. You won’t find day-ticket crowds here; it’s a private sanctuary for our residents.
Expert Advice: Andrew is often on hand to offer friendly advice to help you get started.
Onsite Tackle Shop: No need to hunt for supplies in town. Our shop is stocked with the essentials you need for a successful day on the water.
High Success Rate: Our lakes are “pleasure fisheries,” meaning they are well-stocked to ensure that even beginners have a great chance of seeing some action. It’s not uncommon for guests to catch over 100lb of fish in a single day on Mayfly Lake!
1. Meet the Lakes: Which One is Right for You?
Each of our three lakes has its own character and is suited to different styles of fishing. For a beginner, picking the right spot is the first step to success.
Butterfly Lake: The Gentle Starter
Butterfly Lake is perhaps the most picturesque and approachable for a complete novice. It features beautiful islands and marginal plants like reeds and water lilies.
Best For: Families and those using a pole or a “waggler” (float).
What’s Inside: A lovely mix of silver fish and smaller carp. Because it’s ideal for float fishing, it’s the perfect place to learn how to “read” a float and react to bites.
Mayfly Lake: The Action Lake
If you want to keep the kids busy with plenty of bites, Mayfly is the place to be. It is incredibly well-stocked and known for high catch rates.
Best For: Those using a pole, float or a feeder/method rod.
What’s Inside: A massive variety of fish including Carp, Tench, Bream, and Roach. If you’re looking for a catch of “100lb day,” Mayfly is your best bet.
Dragonfly Lake: The Challenge
Dragonfly is the largest of our lakes and is where our “specimen” fish often reside. This lake features larger Carp that require a bit more strength and patience to land.
Best For: Beginners who are feeling brave or have some basic experience. It is suited for carp rods and bite alarms.
Important Tip: If you use a pole here, make sure you have “strong elastic,” as the fish in Dragonfly can put up a real fight! (Bivvies are also permitted here during the day).
2. The Essential Gear: Keep it Simple
You don’t need a professional setup to catch fish at Perran Springs. In fact, for beginners, simple is usually better.
The Rod or Pole: For very young children, a “whip” (a simple telescopic pole) is easiest. For adults and older children, a light float rod or a feeder rod is perfect.
The Line & Float: A visible, bright float is your best friend. It acts as your “underwater sensor,” telling you exactly when a fish is interested.
Hooks: We require barbless hooks. These are much easier to remove from the fish’s mouth (and your clothes!) and are far kinder to the fish.
Landing Net & Unhooking Mat: These are essential for fish safety. Always use a net to lift fish out and a padded mat to lay them on while you remove the hook.
Need gear? Stop by the Tackle Shop at Reception. We can help you find exactly what you need to get fishing right away.
3. Choosing the Right Bait
Our fish have a varied diet, but there are a few “classic” baits that never fail:
Maggots: The “universal” bait. Almost every fish in our lakes—from the smallest Roach to the biggest Carp—will eat a maggot. (please note we DO NOT stock maggots or any live bait)
Sweetcorn: Clean, cheap, and very effective. Its bright yellow color makes it easy for fish to see among the reeds.
Pellets: We feed our fish a mix of high-quality pellets throughout the winter. Using these as bait is a great way to “match the hatch” and attract larger Carp and Tench.
Bread: A simple piece of pinched bread is a time-honored way to catch fish near the surface or in the margins.
4. Pro-Tips for Your First Session
Don’t Cast Too Far!
Beginners often think the biggest fish are in the exact middle of the lake. In reality, fish love the “margins”—the area right next to the bank or near the islands. Many of our best catches happen just a few feet from the water’s edge where the fish feel safe among the reeds.
“Little and Often”
If you throw in a huge bucket of bait at once, the fish will get full and leave. Instead, throw in just 3 or 4 maggots or grains of corn or a small handfull of pelletd every few minutes. This creates a “dinner bell” effect that keeps the fish in your area and looking for food. Little and often is the key to success!
Stay Quiet and Low
Fish are very sensitive to vibrations on the bank. If children are running around or splashing, the fish will spook and move away. Part of the joy of fishing is the “quiet time”—teach the kids to sit still and watch the water. You’ll be amazed at the wildlife you see when you’re quiet!
Setting the Hook
When the float goes under, don’t “strike” like you’re trying to throw the fish over your shoulder! A gentle, firm lift of the rod is all that is required to set a barbless hook.
5. Fish Welfare: Protecting Our Residents
We are very proud of the health and quality of our fish. To keep them in top condition for the next guest, we ask all beginners to follow these simple rules:
Wet Your Hands: Never touch a fish with dry hands. This protects their protective slime coating, which prevents infections.
Use the Mat: Always lay your fish on a padded unhooking mat.
Keep Them Low: When taking a photo, stay crouched down over the mat. If the fish wiggles, it won’t have far to fall.
No Keepnets: We want our fish to stay stress-free, so please release your catch back into the water immediately after unhooking (and a quick photo!).
6. The “Boring” (But Important) Rules
To ensure everyone has a safe and happy time, please keep these in mind:
Hours: Lakes are open from 8 am until Dusk. This is for safety, especially for teenagers who may be fishing alone.
Dogs: Your four-legged friends are welcome in the Lake Meadow! However, they must be on a short lead and stay out of the water.
Licenses: If you are 13 or older, you need a valid Environment Agency Rod Fishing License. You can buy these easily online (GOV.UK) for a single day or a week. Children under 13 do not need one!
7. Making a Day of It: Advice for Parents
Fishing is a fantastic way to bond as a family, but it requires a little preparation.
Bring Snacks: A “fishing picnic” is a great way to keep everyone happy during a long afternoon.
Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the water, making it stronger than you think. Bring hats and sunscreen.
Check the Weather: If it’s raining, our fish don’t mind—they’re already wet! But you’ll want a good waterproof jacket.
Celebrate the “Silvers”: For a child, a tiny, shimmering Roach is just as exciting as a big Carp. Celebrate every catch to keep their enthusiasm high!
Summary: Your Fishing Adventure Starts Here
Coarse fishing at Perran Springs isn’t just about the fish; it’s about the peace of the valley, the sound of the wind in the reeds, and the thrill of the unknown. Whether you choose the island-dotted Butterfly Lake, the action-packed Mayfly Lake, or the challenging Dragonfly Lake, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
So, on your next visit, head down to the Lake Meadow. Even if you’ve never held a rod before, our three lakes are waiting to show you why fishing is one of the nation’s favorite pastimes.
