Ireland
IrelandMatt goes to Loch Corrib in the west coast of Ireland to one of his favourite fishing destinations. This is an angler’s paradise in 44,000 acres of crystal clear water with an abundance of wild brown trout and breath taking scenery. Matt spends a weekend in Oughterard during the Mayfly hatch to aid his catching brown trout.
NorwayMatt travels to the world famous Gaula River, which runs through unspoilt surroundings with stunning scenery and one of the finest and most productive salmon rivers in the world. The prime fishing takes place in July and August for fish in the 12 to 22 lb. range, with some stunning 30-pounders, but there is always the chance to catch a 40-pounder!
WalesNowhere in Pembrokeshire is farther than 15 miles from the sea, and the land is criss-crossed with rivers and streams and dotted with increasing numbers of lakes and ponds. Matt travels to Pembrokeshire where he is joined by renowned Welsh angler Tony Davies to fish for sea trout on the River Towy.
SwedenMatt travels to the Arjeplog region in Swedish Lapland which lies nestled in a landscape of mighty forests, mountains, high and wild fells, lakes and waterways to fish for pike, brown trout and grayling. Arjeplog offers fabulous nature experiences, whether you come to fish, hike or just to visit. This has to be one of the most excellent places you will ever have the chance to fish.
SwedenMatt travels to Vestervik, one of Europe’s prime destinations for catching large Pike, Perch, Salmon and Sea Trout. Pike is abundant everywhere in this area and it is not unusual to land a pike as big as 20lb. Renowned Swedish angler Anders Forsbeg joins Matt for some great fishing against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
EnglandMatt stays close to home for this show, fishing for Barbel on the River Wye
in Wales with renowned Belgian fisherman Ronny de Groot.
The River Wye flows for 157 miles and is the most famous of English and Welsh
salmon rivers with an equally excellent reputation for coarse fishing.
FranceMatt travels to 'French Heaven', lake in France for a spot of Carp fishing. France is recognised as being the centre of European Carp Fishing. Nestled deep within France's rolling countryside, with grassy banks boarded by tree lines is a mature dream lake of around 24 acres this is an ideal destination.
PolandMatt travels to the more outlying region of the country, where the rivers are generally less polluted. Poland’s rivers boast many varieties of fish so this is a great destination if you are looking for diversity. Fishing is a popular pastime in Poland with the angling season lasting twelve months.
Matt travel to the Azores, a widely separated group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, due west of mainland Portugal in the hope of catching huge pelagic fish such as the Atlantic Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Swordfish.
Matt travels to Pisa in the west of Tuscany for a spot of carp fishing. This is a great weekend fishing destination, as there is plenty to see and do. Italy offers good fishing weather all year round with the best time around the months of September and October as the summer temperatures can soar.
Northern
IrelandMatt travels to the Northern Ireland to the Castle Leslie estate in County Monaghan, which is a renowned angling centre, where nature has provided a rich assortment of lakes, rivers and streams. Famous for its record breaking Pike, Matt discovers a luxury angling weekend away, staying in Castle Leslie (now a hotel) he experiences a mixture of old fashioned country house hospitality and classic Irish eccentricity.
Matt travels to the beautiful island of Madeira in search of Wahoo, also known as the 'Cheetahs of the sea'. With all year round mild climates coupled with endless things to see and do this is an ideal destination for a weekend fishing break.
The English Lake District in Cumbria is the base for Matt’s weekend Pike and Perch fishing, amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. With Windermere, Coniston and Derwent Water all located within a short distance of each other it is the ideal base for a weekend spent hunting for the huge pike that live deep below the surface of these glacial lakes.
Matt travels to Holland to fish for Zander with one of Europe's most renowned Zander fisherman Bertus Rozemeijer. Holland has become really popular with anglers for its easy access to some of the easiest coarse fishing in Europe, friendly people, great places to eat out, a host of good value bars and the fact that little driving is required.
Matt travels to the banks of River Ebro in Northern Spain in this programme in search of Catfish. The Ebro River rates as Europe’s premier destination for this species. The hot climate allows a nine-month growing season for the fish and they can grow to phenomenal sizes of 150lbs plus!
Click the map to see where Matt went on Lake Escapes.