The Lakes
The Embed Bomb & Feeder Cup
The MAP Embed Bomb & Feeder Cup will be contested across four of Messingham Sands’ premier match lakes. Each qualifier sees 40 anglers split evenly across Swan Pond, Islands Lake, Hollywood Strip and Hollywood Bowl — 10 pegs on each lake — creating four sections within the same venue. The winner of each lake section progresses directly to the final, making every peg and every decision count from the first whistle.
Swan Pond
Swan Pond, incorporating the former Little Swan, offers a large, feature-rich match water for the MAP Embed Bomb & Feeder Cup. With islands, margins and underwater features throughout, anglers must be precise with their feeding and method choice. Depths of up to 14ft mean fish can hold at different levels, making bomb and feeder decisions key on the day.
The lake holds a strong head of carp averaging 6lb–8lb, capable of producing big section weights, while quality roach and skimmers provide consistent silverfish sport. In a 10-peg section where only one angler progresses, Swan Pond rewards those who stay sharp and make the right calls at the right time.
Islands Lake
Islands Lake is one of the most picturesque waters at Messingham Sands, packed with features and full of fish. With islands, pads and rushes in play on most pegs, every section offers different options and tactical decisions. Depths range from shallow margins around 2ft to approximately 8ft in open water, giving anglers multiple lines to explore.
The lake holds a strong head of carp capable of producing huge weights, but silverfish can be just as influential. Big mixed bags regularly come into play, meaning versatility is key. In a 10-peg section where only the winner progresses, Islands Lake rewards anglers who read their peg correctly and adapt throughout the match.
Hollywood Strip
Hollywood Strip is the original lake on the complex and fishes more like a long canal or river stretch. At around 450 metres in length and roughly 10ft deep on average, it offers a consistent profile where line choice, feeding rhythm and fish management are crucial across a tight 10-peg section.
The lake holds a huge head of carp averaging between 3lb and 12lb, with the chance of much bigger fish, meaning weights can build quickly. While carp are the main target, F1s, crucians, skimmers, perch and tench provide alternative options, rewarding anglers who can adjust when conditions change.
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl is a well-established match lake stretching around 450 metres with an average depth of approximately 10ft. Its open profile and consistent layout create a fair but demanding 10-peg section where line choice, feeding accuracy and fish management are key to building a winning weight.
Carp are the dominant species, typically averaging 1lb–6lb with larger bonus fish in the mix, ensuring steady action throughout the match. F1s, skimmers, ide and crucians also provide genuine scoring opportunities, meaning anglers who read their peg correctly and adapt can put together section-winning bags.
