ABBOTT’S POOL, LEIGH WOODS, BRISTOL, SOUTHWEST, ENGLAND

Abbots Pool is tucked away in Leigh Woods, formerly part of the Robinsons Estate. The pool, which is the central feature of the woodland, was part of a series of pools used by medieval monks developed for the medieval practice of farming for fish.

It is a smallish lake with an island in the centre which is on stone pillars, this provides shelter for the small head of double figure carp. There are many roach and perch making it a popular venue for young anglers but by far the best reason for fishing here is the tench. There are loads, many over 5lbs, they can be taken on, caster, sweetcorn, bread or worms and give an excellent account of themselves. The best fishing times are, as usual with tench, dawn and dusk.