I am a French professional fishing guide and consultant for Fox International. I find it a bit awkward to talk about myself, so I’ll quote my friend Ian Welsh.
"There are few better qualified French fishing guides; an angler since his grandfather took him out at the age of six Stef is well schooled in top flight match and carp fishing techniques and has passed the PAA coaching course. With a teaching background, an English wife and having lived and worked for five years in the UK he has a unique insight into British and French angling, - and a sense of humour which cuts through both nations!”
Angler’s Mail, June 2007
I founded my guiding company, Alpine Angling Tours, back in 2004 and specialise in all inclusive carp and coarse fishing trips throughout the south of France. I write features for carp forums and am currently working on a series of articles for one of the leading UK carp magazines.
I am delighted with my new partnership with Mistral Baits, and it really feels like something destined to happen. Mistral is indeed the name given to a strong north westerly wind that blows over the Provence region and conditions my fishing for the best part of the year. As for Mistral boilies, they have without a doubt conditioned my catch rates for over a decade now. No doubt Allan took inspiration from the wind to name his brand, as he and his boilies have been legendary over here since the late eighties.
Allan was indeed quick to develop bait that could draw carp and keep nuisance fish away, leading him to top catches in several waters from my part of the world, including St Cassien.
For me the Mistral range is synonymous with Isotonic products such as Rosehip or the more recent and devastating Crab Crème, and of course the pop-ups which are simply unrivalled.
The latest No Name range has caught my interest, with the shellfish version scoring wonders on tricky waters.
I am proud to be able to offer such quality baits to my clients during their trips to France, and delighted to have been offered the task to write a weekly feature for the Mistral website. So watch this space every Monday from now on. I will be discussing techniques, strategies, and feed regular news on events and sessions. Until then, tight lines!!!
