Ian Heaps - More about his Coarse Angling Fishery

Former World Coarse Fishing Champion Ian Heaps - who took the title in Poland in 1975, became European Champion in Portugal in 1985 and was a member of the England team from 1975 to 1988 - realised another lifetime's ambition when he opened his three lake fishery next to the Eastern Cleddau river in Pembrokeshire.

His ambition when he started to develop Holgan Farm was to create a fishery where the quality of sport was equalled only by the attractiveness of the surroundings - and he has certainly achieved this.

Indeed, Holgan Farm must now rank as one of the most attractive fisheries in the UK - a first-class angling venue in beautiful Welsh countryside which fishes well all year round because of the temperate climate where snow and ice are something of a rarety.

Since opening Holgan Farm he has also continued to develop his Ian Heaps School of Angling where novice and experienced anglers can receive group and one-to-one tuition from one of the top names in angling.

Not only is this a great way for beginners to the sport to learn the correct ways to go about fishing and how to read the water, but his courses are also invaluable to more experienced anglers who can learn what they do wrong, get rid of bad habits and learn new and different techniques.
Ian Heaps Fishery might be a long drive from most parts of the UK, but in addition to offering a total of 90-pegs on three well-stocked and attractive lakes - not to mention a stretch of the Eastern Cleddau which is well known locally for its brown trout, sea trout and salmon - it is also on the doorstep of some of the finest sea and estuary fishing in the whole of South Wales. Pembrokeshire is also renowned for its beautiful scenery, beaches, castles and countryside.

The fishery is set on a 12 acre site which has been extensively landscaped and planted with thousands of flowers, shrubs and trees.

Ian also offers comfortable accommodation WTB 4 Star approved in the main house which is accompanied by traditional home cooking.

Suitable for disabled anglers, the fishery has a roadway all around the site and three car parks, one to serve each lake. In addition, there are purpose-built disabled pegs on all waters.

To prevent the spread of disease, Ian supplies every angler with one of the fishery's own landing nets whilst those who are new to the sport can hire a full setup for £5 per day. This includes either a whip or 13 foot match rod with box for sitting on, banksticks, bait tubs and the most essential of commodoties, advice. Although Ian enforces the minimum number of what he describes as 'sensible' rules, he does not allow boilies, dog or cat food. Luncheon meat may be used as a hook bait but not as loosefeed.

Also, although Ian allows floating baits, loose fed samples should not be used as this encourages rats and can result in free offerings floating into other anglers swims, thereby possibly disrupting their sport and enjoyment. You can if you wish try fly fishing on any of the lakes, but you must place yourself so as not to endanger other anglers and you MUST use barbless flies.

Each lake is just over two acres in size and hold 30 pegs. With a comprehensively stocked on-site tackle shop, ladies and gents toilets and picnic areas equipped with picnic tabled scattered round the site, Ian Heaps Fishery is suitable for all the family. Drinks and snacks can also be purchased, just as on your arrival.

For those who like match angling, Ian holds a 'Golden Peg' Open Match every Sunday on one of the Lakes. Entry is £20 'all-in' with cash prizes going to the top four places. About 15 anglers usually enter every week.