Hawkhurst - Specimen Lake

Membership and Requirements

Specimen Lake at Hawkhurst is exclusively open to members who bring a wealth of experience to the waters. Anglers must have at least five years of carp fishing under their belts and be equipped with essential gear, including a 2.75lb test curve rod, 12lb mainline, a 42-inch landing net, and a large unhooking pad. Before joining, your tackle will be assessed to ensure it's up to the task of handling our impressive carp and catfish.

Fish Species

Here, you'll encounter some of the largest carp in Kent, including Mirror and Common carp weighing over 40 lb. A standout feature is the presence of England's only two blue carp, tipping the scales at 74 and 65 lb respectively. With around 200 specimen-sized fish averaging 26 lb, anglers have plenty to target. Additionally, catfish add variety to the catches, occasionally making surface appearances that can surprise and excite.

Lake Features

Covering roughly four acres, Specimen Lake offers eight swims and accommodates up to six fishermen at a time, ensuring a spacious and enjoyable fishing experience. The lake's bottom is diverse, featuring gravel areas, silty gullies, high plateaus, and hard clay sections, providing numerous spots for anglers to explore. Feeding displays are a common sight, making it easier to locate large fish. Night fishing is also available, where the sounds of feeding catfish add an extra layer of excitement to your fishing sessions.