Sunday, July 29, 2007

Take a virtual tour of the waterfalls and the hotel

Mike Johansson and Anders Hollland from 360factory

The cascades d' Ozoud are located in the Grand Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt, in the province of Azilal and it is the most visited site in the region.

The largest of the three falls has a drop of over 100 metres and the hypnotic sight and enchanting sound of cascading water seems to seep inside you, as if by osmosis, leaving a profound sense of peace and beauty.


Once the virtual tour opens and loads you can click with your left mouse button and control the image as if you were the camera. This type of image is called an equirectangular projection, and is in fact 2 or more images taken using a fish eye lens and a rotating camera on a tripod.
The finished photos are taken at angles to make up a complete 360 degree circle then stitched together using rather clever software to make these great moving images.
Have a look at Mike's site 360 factory for more information on these great moving images.

The Hotel, Maisons d'hote is situated in a privileged position overlooking the lake of Bin el Ouidane.


Morocco Carp Hotel Bin el Ouidane

Constructed by its owner, Hamid Ouallam, its quirky Riad style and the locally produced arts and crafts displayed on its walls tell something of the man himself and his strong Berber roots


If you would like more information on Family and fishing holidays please check out our web site

Friday, July 20, 2007

Morocco Carp launch UK holiday reservation number



We have set up a UK land line number or you can leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. From the UK ring 0207 870 3515
We are also happy to receive emails and you can contact us at: info@moroccocarp.com

Simply let us know how and when you would like to spend your holidays and we will try and sort out an interesting and exciting package to suit your budget.



Marrakesh
Whether you’re snapping up souk style bargains or soaking up some sun, Marrakesh is a box of spiced delights. From the ancient rose-coloured city walls to the sounds and scents of the souks, Marrakesh is a showcase for Morocco’s past and present: the slender spire of the mosque and the courtyards paved with tiles are complemented by the razzle and dazzle of the latest riads (picturesque private houses built around a central courtyard)
Marrakesh may be rich in tradition, but consummate design savvy and the city’s vibrant bar scene gives it a cosmopolitan edge.
Once you've tired of city life let us whisk you to the Atlas mountains and our rustic lakeside Hotel where you will experience the marvels of the natural world and catch up with your fishing partner. Please check our web site for more details of the exciting excursions and lake side activities that you can experience.



Give us a ring and let us help you organise a perfect family holiday in Morocco and some of the best carp fishing on the planet.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Google earth uncovers new swim on Bin el Ouidane

I was goggle earth surfing about 2.4 km above
the lake of Bin el Ouidane in Morocco....
.....when something caught my eye.

I zoomed a little closer and discovered an island right in front of hotel bank.

It took me a while to see it, its hard to visualise yourself on the picture as I'm so used to tramping the banks or seeing the lake features from boat level. To view it from 2.4 km above disorientates you slightly.

But its there, top centre of the photo above.

I've written its name, Secret Sandbar, and just above it: Hotel.
It is probably not a sandbar but a small island, but its secret sandbar till August when I get out there with the sonar. Whatever it is, its currently under a couple of meters of water and its a big fish holding spot. It explains why, when sitting on the hotel balcony having dinner, I keep seeing huge carp crashing out where I think the island shows on the Goggle earth photo.

A photo showing the lake as viewed from hotel bank or
check the virtual tour to see a 360 image of the spot.
(used your mouse to control the camera - click on the image)


I always have the same thought at those moments- why am I tramping km's round the lake when they are continually showing right in front of the Hotel? - yes, I've already called myself that about 10 times.

Going back to the goggle earth photo, below Secret Sandbar on the other bank you have the Ahansal river mouth which floods into the Ahansal Bay and then you can make out snake spit, another of our prepared swims for September. Move left till you come to the monkey nut shaped islands, this is our third swim and interesting enough the narrow strip between the two islands is currently about 1 metre under water.

Studying the photo and what I know of the lake, I'm going to take an educated guess and say that the Google Earth photo shows the lake with between 1-4 metres less of water. There are two further islands showing that currently don't show with the present water level.
I've got plenty to investigate when I'm down next in August.



I am very pleased to announce that we have partnered with Essex Angling Holidays, who are going to be selling our fishing holidays exclusively in the UK.
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Woodrow, Paul Russell and Tony Bartram for all their advice and help. Tony in particular for guiding me delicately to choose, what we both believe to be some of the best fishing tackle on a commercial venue.

Check out our fantastic tackle from Fox, Nash, Atomic and Korda

Monday, July 16, 2007

The first 30kg African carp from Bin el Ouidane, Morocco


The future looks bright for the new big fish mega water Bin el Ouidane as the first rod caught African 30kg Carp was landed in June. The scale perfect mirror weighed 69 lbs (31 kg) and is the current lake record.

The fish are packing on the pounds and with over 90% of the lake still to be fished it makes us go a little dizzy just thinking what this amazing lake will produce over the coming years.



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Friday, July 13, 2007

World Record Carp on rod and line 265 lbs - 120 kg

Want to see the Tuna Spear gun caught World Record?





The world's largest Carp caught on rod and line. A 265 lbs siamese giant carp caught by Fishing Adventures Thailand.

All photos reproduced with the kind permission of Jean-Francois Helias

Jean-Francois Helias’ Fishing Adventures Thailand team is known internationally to be the most professional pro guides for freshwater sport fishing in Southeast Asia.



Kik, who has been guiding in Jean-Francois Helias team since its inception, hooked up the kind of catch of a lifetime some anglers would sell their soul to the devil for. A Siamese Giant Carp or Catlocarpio siamensis they estimated weighing just over 120 kg (265 pounders).
"She may be a tiny bit bigger but to give her 120 kilos is already very fine with us. " says Kik.
Kik’s catch is the biggest Siamese carp ever caught in Thailand on rod and line, and moreover, the world’s biggest carp ever caught on rod and line.



Read the full story here.

Further info: Fishing Adventures Thailand

New logo for catsncarp to celebrate launch of Morocco Carp fishing holidays


To celebrate the launch of our new fishing holiday company, Morocco Carp - organising fantastic fishing holidays to the new mega water Bin el Ouidane in Morocco, we have created a new logo and branding.

In addition to the new artwork the blog is now published as an integral part of the Morocco Carp web site and we look forward to publishing all the latest catch reports and photos as they happen, uploading photos from the banks at Bin el Ouidane.

To make sure you don't miss a thing simply subscribe to our newsletter using the subscribe box in the sidebar and you will receive an email every time we update the blog - it couldn't be easier.

Morocco Carp still have availability for September so if you fancy a week on Bin el Ouidane for only €600 click here for reservations and further details.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Morocco Carp announce tackle from Nash, Fox, Atomic and Korda


Morocco Carp, the fishing holiday company that organise Hotel or traditional Carp fishing holidays to the Moroccan lake called Bin el Ouidane, announced an impressive line up of state of the art carp fishing gear from Nash, Fox, Korda and Atomic.

The lucky anglers fishing the water from the 1st of September will be using this great line-up:

The lakeside package includes:

3 x 13 foot 3.25TC Fox Warriers ES
1 x Fox Skypod with Skypod butt caps
1 x Fox Warrier Landing net 50 inch
1 x Nash globetrotter 2 man XL (on our permanent swims)
or Nash Double top Extreme 2 man (roving angler)
1 x Nash Weighlifter sling
1 x Nash Continental Carp sack
1 x Nash 6 leg Indulgence bedchair
1 x Nash Indulgence recliner day chair

it also includes..
Moroccan holiday fishing license, 25kg local prepared maiz, breakfast and dinner by boat waiter delivered to your swim.

YOU BRING: Reels, buzzers, indicators, scales, tackle box,rigs, leads (optional we sell) pop ups, plastic hook baits, sleeping bag.
Rods are optional, we provide 3 Fox Warriers, or for a small fee you can book them on as sporting equipment at the time of making your booking -the choice is yours.

Price: €600 - including return transfer from Marrakesh or Casablanca airport to the lake. This does not include your air ticket, you must purchase this and send a copy of your booking confirmation with payment. You must also send a copy of your passport so that we can preregister you for a Moroccan holiday fishing license.

Fraser Cairns of Morocco Carp explaines some of his tackle purchasing decisions:

The weather at Bin el Ouidane is generally fantastic, clear blue skies, loads of sunshine, a stiff breeze to keep the heat off and it has more than 250 days of sunshine during the year. The altitude effects the temperature greatly and in the autumn and winter months it can get really cold during the night. It also rains a fair bit during these seasons so the equipment would have to stand up to extremes of hot and cold, rain, wind and loads of anglers....
I hope Ive made the right choices, only time, rod hours and feedback from my clients will tell.

The Bivvies.

Our main swims will be kitted out with the Globetrotter XL bivvies to give maximum comfort and space and these will be in permanent positions on our 3 main swims. We are also planning on building a Berber tent shelter to provide shade and make a good relax area for the anglers. I will keep you all updated on that but I've just ordered the tents so watch the blog for more news.

GLOBETROTTER XL
Nash says:
A non-compromising, true, two-man, long session bivvy. Designed for professionals and for fishing long sessions, at home and abroad. With a clip-in groundsheet, a height of over 6’ and a width of 9½’ the Globetrotter XL ensures that comfort is paramount. Based on the popular, hoop-frame system for easy set-up the Globetrotter XL will resist any kind of extreme weather. Twin-skinned design and heavy duty waterproof outer and mesh inner make this bivvy the ultimate in comfort and reliability.


Just what you need on a hot Moroccan day



DOUBLE TOP EXTREME - TWO MAN
Nash says:
The brilliant Double Top bivvy, designed by Kevin Nash, Gary Bayes and our team of respected field-testers. It is a top seller and favoured by many of Europe’s leading carp anglers. This upgraded Double Top Extreme has all the great features of the original Double Top but with the added porch/door canopy. This canopy properly maximises doorway coverage to eliminate rain ingress and provide shade. Exceptionally spacious, 2 man design, enhances width to optimise space and passage between bedchairs.
Approximate dimensions: 280cm deep x 290cm wide x 160cm high


I have chosen the double top extreme 2 man for those anglers that want to go off and do a bit of pioneering, as long as you stay in range of our boat waiters, (4-5Km) then you are free to explore the bays and banks.
Bin el Ouidane is a rare thing, a huge untouched, unfished water, brimming with big carp. No one knows the potential of this place but just being there you realise that something very special has combined to make this a unique environment.
Every time I crest the summit of the Atlas and make my descent, the fist view of the lake from above always reminds me of Jurrasic Park - a land that time forgot and the carp grew huge....
We are only scratching the surface of Bin el Ouidane 95% of the lake remains un fished and its a time for pioneers. I am confident that these Nash Bivvies will provide our anglers with the protection to go where no Carp angler has tread before.


The Indulgence 6 leg

INDULGENCE 6 LEG
Nash says:
Surely, the ultimate in bed-chairs. They stand out from the rest with stunning multi-tone mattresses that also feature a mobile phone pocket and a zip pocket for keys or wallet.






INDULGENCE RECLINER

Recline in blissful comfort in this super-strong Indulgence chair. Both the Recliner and the High Back feature our unique oval side bars that dramatically enhance strength and support.

FEATURES:

  • • Mattress with multi-tone double depth luxury filling
  • • Fully reclinable back
  • • Fully adjustable legs
  • • New pivoting extra large mudfeet


The Fox Sky Pod
Fox says:
The Fox Sky Pod has taken rod pod design into another dimension. Specifically designed for those large Continental rivers and lakes

The centre body can be adjusted in length to give greater stability when used at an acute angle. Undoubtedly this is one of the most stable set-ups around making it an essential piece of kit when fishing at long range on huge Continental lakes and powerful wide rivers. With the rod tips positioned high an enormous amount of pressure is transferred to the pod itself, but even in windy conditions and fishing against a powerful current with big leads, the Sky Pod will be rock solid.

Warrior ES 13ft - 3.25lb
Fox says:
The action of the ES runs through the tip and middle of the rod although under heavy pressure the blank will continue to bend right through to the butt without locking up. This marginally forward action makes the rod ideal for distance casting with leads up to 4½ozs, PVA bags or method feeders while still being suitable for safely playing large carp close in.

The Atomic Dung - 3-60z available to buy in our tackle shop


They will also be stocking a selection of leads from Atomic from 3-6oz to save you from going over weight, they will be reasonably priced bearing in mind the cost of shipping lead, and we recommend the new Atomic Dung - perfectly camouflaged for the red silty bottom of Bin el Ouidane.
A range of Korda hook links and a general selection of bits and bobs that you might need. If in doubt just drop us an email.

Morocco Carp still have availability from the 1st of September so if you fancy a week on Bin el Ouidane, flights from London to Marrakesh have never been cheaper and their lakeside package is only €600, around £400 per person. It will be an experience you want forget.

All fishing tackle supplied by Essex Angling.



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