How Pascale and Her Team Keep Goncourt Running

Life at Goncourt is always busy, and this past week has been no different. Many people think running a carp fishing complex is just about welcoming anglers and enjoying big catches on the bank. The truth is, it’s almost non-stop work behind the scenes, and it takes a whole team to keep the lakes and facilities in the best condition.

This week much of our time has gone into Pascale Lake. Early mornings have been spent clearing away old, damaged furniture and replacing it with new pieces. From there, the team has worked their way around the banks, cutting back overgrown areas, picking up litter, and giving the lake a full tidy-up. By the end of the day, you can really see the difference: safe swims, clear paths, and a lake that looks ready for anglers to enjoy.

While part of the team is busy on one lake, others are tackling different jobs across the complex. Weeding and snag removal is an ongoing task—lines need to run clear, and fish safety is always our top priority. Grass cutting, trimming shrubs, and general bank care all take hours each week. It’s never finished, because as soon as one lake is done, another is ready for attention.

Then there are the facilities. The accommodation, showers, and toilets are cleaned and checked daily. Most of the time, this is straightforward, but unfortunately, problems do arise when people don’t respect the rules. Blocked drains and damaged toilets are not only unpleasant, but they also create extra work that takes us away from all the other maintenance jobs that need doing.

View a video from Pascale about blocked drains :(

From sunrise to sunset, you’ll find Pascale and the team hard at it: mowing, clearing, fixing, scrubbing, and organising. Some days it feels endless, but we know how important it is. Every neat bank, every working shower, every trimmed path is part of making the complex a place anglers want to return to year after year.

What keeps us going is seeing the results. When new guests arrive and comment on how clean, tidy, and welcoming everything looks, it makes the long days worth it. When anglers leave with happy memories and a few great catches, we know the hard work has paid off.

Running Goncourt is a full-time job for all of us - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - but it’s a labour of love. Thank you to everyone who follows the rules, respects the lakes, and helps us keep the complex in the condition it deserves. It really does make a difference. Pascale and her team are already preparing for the next arrivals, and we look forward to another week of hard work and, hopefully, more great fishing stories to come.

A Friendly Reminder

To help us keep Goncourt at its best, please:

• Use the toilets and showers with care - avoid flushing items that block the drains.

• Dispose of litter properly and leave your swim tidy.

• Respect the banks, grass, and facilities as if they were your own.

• Always follow the fishing rules for the safety of the carp.

These small steps make a big difference and allow us to spend more time improving the complex for you, rather than fixing avoidable problems. Together, we can keep Goncourt a place anglers love to return to, season after season.