Fancy A Weekend Away?

I’ve been a regular guest at the Caer Beris Manor in Mid Wales ever since it hosted the Angling Writers Association Awards dinner nearly ten years ago. It’s a fabulous country hotel in a spectacular setting, nestling in a loop of the River Irfon just up from its confluence with the Wye.

Perhaps it’s easier, rather than me trying to describe it, for you to just check out the Caer Beris web site at www.caerberis.co.uk

Hotel owner Peter Smith is a keen angler and was probably one of the first anglers to catch a hundred double figure barbel from the Wye, he loves chub fishing, too, and he also guides trips out to India each year in pursuit of the mighty mahseer. Peter also happens to be a trustee of the Wye and Usk Foundation.

Bob with a bag of typical Wye chub

Peter originally moved to Wales for the fishing over 20 years ago. Back then he was a keen member and official photographer for the Carp Study Group and Llandridnod Wells was one of the few places around that offered a good chance to catch a 20lb carp - my how times have changed!

Last year Peter recently suggested that we try a ‘Weekend With Bob’, just to see how things went. Well, one weekend turned into three and there’s no sign of a slackening demand. They have been a roaring success and our guests have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Most comment on the superb hospitality and fine food, not to mention fantastic fishing in spectacular surroundings.

The next weekend we’re hosting is on the 23/24/25tOOctober, 2009. Places will be limited to a maximum of eight angling guests (partners are welcome) and the itinery will get underway with a four course meal on Friday evening in a private oak panelled dining room where guests can meet and get to know each other over a few drinks.

After a hearty ‘full Welsh’ breakfast on Saturday morning the perty will fish the Wye for chub and barbel, most likely on one of the Wye And Usk Foundation beats. The beat will be reserved exclusively for us and no-one else so space should not be a problem. A packed lunch will be provided.

Bob coaches a guest on the Town Waters at Builth Wells

On Saturday evening we’ll retire to the dining room once more for another feast. Sunday will follow the theme of Saturday. Guests can fish until whatever times they choose before leaving and a further nights accommodation can be provided if required (at an extra cost, obviously).

Peter and I will be on hand each day to offer guidance and coaching as appropriate to each angler’s desires and skills level. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

At the beginning of August, 2009, we hosted a chub and barbel weekend and most anglers chose to stay three nights. The best individual chub catch that weekend included more than ten fish, the best topping 5lb. The best individual barbel catch was ten bronzed battlers plus four chub.

Obviously if you decide to extend your stay the extra night’s accommodation, dining and fishing tickets will increase the cost of this weekend but you will get three full days fishing in spectacular surroundings.

Further dates will be announced according to demand.

I’m not sure of the prices at this moment but if you check the hotel web site (www.caerberis.co.uk) or give them a ring, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised that these inclusive weekends do not cost the earth.