Why Rules Matter at Domaine de Goncourt: Protecting Carp, Anglers, and Nature

Why Domaine de Goncourt Has Rules

Every angler wants the same thing: healthy fish, peaceful lakes, and a safe, enjoyable holiday. The rules at Domaine de Goncourt are written with exactly that in mind. They’re not about restrictions—they’re about protecting the carp, looking after the environment, and making sure your time here is memorable for the right reasons.

Let’s look at the rules in more detail, and why they’re important:

Arrival and Departure

Arriving and leaving at set times avoids crowding on the banks and allows the staff to check swims between groups. Cars must not block farm gates or roads—this keeps the complex running smoothly and ensures emergency access is never restricted.

Fishing Equipment Rules

• Rod limits (4 rods, 3 on La Traque): Prevents overfishing and keeps swims manageable.
  
• Line strength (12lb+ mainline, 25lb max hooklinks): Strong enough to land large carp without exhausting them, but not so heavy that rigs become unsafe.
  
• No lead core or fixed leads: Ensures that if a line breaks, carp aren’t left dragging heavy tackle. Safety systems mean the fish can shed the lead.
  
• Hooks (barbless/micro-barbed, max size 2, no bent hooks): These rules stop unnecessary mouth damage. Smaller, smooth hooks are easier to remove and reduce long-term injury.
  

Carp Care on the Bank

• Unhooking mats and water buckets: Provide a soft, wet surface for carp and prevent them from drying out during photos.
  
• No sacking of fish: Confining carp is highly stressful and can cause harm.
  
• Keep handling time short: The less time out of water, the quicker fish recover.
  
• Fish care kits advised: Simple antiseptic treatments speed up healing of hook holds or lifted scales.
  

Together, these rules make sure the carp stay in top condition year after year.

Bait Rules

• No nuts of any kind: Even when prepared, nuts can damage carp digestion, and poorly prepared ones are toxic. To avoid risk, they’re banned completely.
  
• Only on-site particles allowed: These are cooked correctly so they’re safe and nutritious.
  
• Fresh boilies only (no shelf-life boilies): Preservatives in long-life baits can affect water quality.
  
• Unwanted bait into bins, not margins: Stops rotting food from harming the water and ensures bait is recycled responsibly during winter feeding.
  

Safety on the Bank and in Boats

• No unattended rods: Carp can easily drag rods into the water, putting both fish and equipment at risk.
  
• Boats at own risk, life jackets required: Lakes can be deep with hidden snags—life jackets are non-negotiable for safety.
  
• No swimming: Protects anglers from accidents and avoids disturbance to fish.
  
• No fires or ground BBQs: Prevents fire risk and damage to the banks.
  

Protecting the Environment

• No cutting trees or vegetation: The bankside growth provides shelter for wildlife and prevents erosion.
  
• No climbing trees or removing branches: Safety for anglers and protection for the environment.
  
• No litter, recycling required: Keeps the complex clean and reduces environmental impact.
  
• Toilets must be used: Prevents pollution of water and banks.
  

Respecting Others

• Keep noise low, no loud music or heavy drinking: Domaine de Goncourt is a peaceful complex where anglers come to relax. Excess noise stresses fish and ruins the atmosphere.
  
• Children must be supervised: Lakes and heavy equipment can be dangerous if children are left unattended.
  
• No dogs unless approved: Dogs can disturb wildlife and other anglers if not carefully managed.
  

Responsibility and Conduct

• Party leader responsible for damage: Ensures accountability.
  
• Breaking rules = removal without refund: Shows the rules are taken seriously.
  
• Guests welcome but must follow rules: Non-angling partners and family can enjoy the holiday too, but they must also respect the complex.
  
• No liability for injury or theft: Standard protection for the venue - anglers are responsible for their own belongings and safety.
  

The Final Rule

Above all, Domaine de Goncourt wants anglers to enjoy their stay. The rules aren’t there to spoil the fun—they’re there so you can return year after year to a lake full of thriving, healthy carp in a beautiful, safe environment.

View lake rules - click here