What Customers Said!
Read some of the positive feedback from past clients...
Customer Feedback is so important!
Jake prides himself on providing a quality service to all of his customers, and in these early stages - good feedback is so important; not only for the future of Sierra Brava Dreams, but for you, the future clients who may wish to book a holiday with SBD.
Read some of the feedback left from Jake's first bookings. It's all positive so you can be confident you will receive the same service too!
Read some of the feedback left from Jake's first bookings. It's all positive so you can be confident you will receive the same service too!
Ian and Roy Gowar
Just returned from our second trip to the amazing Sierra Brava with Jake and what a trip it turned out to be. We decided to our spend our first night in Spain in a hotel in Madrid, after picking up our hire car we checked into the hotel and a few beers were sampled. We chose the hire car option again as it is such an easy drive to Jake's along some of the quietest roads through some awesome scenery. Goldcar Rentals were our supplier and I would recommend them to anyone, in the past we have also gone with Sixt, both offer great packages.
Arriving at Jake's around 12 o'clock we were soon on our way to the lake, Jake took us to a swim in his 4x4 that 95% of other anglers could only dream of fishing due to the severe terrain.
It didn't take long for the action to start over our baited area and once they arrived they were there to stay. A nice high average size of fish around the 25lb range were had everyday and night.
On the third night I hooked into something I knew was a bit special, after an epic twenty minute battle I finally landed the fish of my dreams, at 45lb 4oz it smashed my personal best by over 14lbs. The feeling I got after returning such a beautiful fish can only be experienced on a public water like Sierra Brava, I have had many fish from commercial fisheries in France but they were all triumphed by a single fish.
It really is such a wonderful place, if you crave some big public water fishing then this is the place to do it, if I had to some it up in one word it would be adventurous ! So if you are after great fishing, great food and a great time Sierra Brava really is the place to do it. Jake knows the water so well and has a knack of finding the big fish, you only have to look at his results to prove it. We have already booked our third return trip for June of next year !
A massive thank you to Jake and Flash for a session I will remember for a lifetime.
Arriving at Jake's around 12 o'clock we were soon on our way to the lake, Jake took us to a swim in his 4x4 that 95% of other anglers could only dream of fishing due to the severe terrain.
It didn't take long for the action to start over our baited area and once they arrived they were there to stay. A nice high average size of fish around the 25lb range were had everyday and night.
On the third night I hooked into something I knew was a bit special, after an epic twenty minute battle I finally landed the fish of my dreams, at 45lb 4oz it smashed my personal best by over 14lbs. The feeling I got after returning such a beautiful fish can only be experienced on a public water like Sierra Brava, I have had many fish from commercial fisheries in France but they were all triumphed by a single fish.
It really is such a wonderful place, if you crave some big public water fishing then this is the place to do it, if I had to some it up in one word it would be adventurous ! So if you are after great fishing, great food and a great time Sierra Brava really is the place to do it. Jake knows the water so well and has a knack of finding the big fish, you only have to look at his results to prove it. We have already booked our third return trip for June of next year !
A massive thank you to Jake and Flash for a session I will remember for a lifetime.
Brian Hoeg-Beck
Hi Jake.
I finally made it all the way home. Arrived in my appartment a little
before midnight, so it was a long journey...
That said, it was totally worth the time, travel and money! I really
enjoyed the company, the fishing and I would have liked to stay longer.
Cheers Brian.
I finally made it all the way home. Arrived in my appartment a little
before midnight, so it was a long journey...
That said, it was totally worth the time, travel and money! I really
enjoyed the company, the fishing and I would have liked to stay longer.
Cheers Brian.
Barry Aldridge
So, I’ve just got back from a long weekend on Sierra Brava with Jake and his dog Flash. I have enjoyed it enough to want to write about it to let anybody else out there who is thinking about booking, to stop thinking about it and get yourself booked! You won’t regret it.
I live in Andalucia so it was just a case of getting in the car and doing a 4 hour drive to his house. The Tomtom took me right to his door and the drive is enjoyable in itself, a truly beautiful part of the world. I left work early on the Thursday and arrived around 9 pm. A few beers were in order to get to know each other and see a bit of Zorita, a nice little pueblo where everybody knows everybody.
Friday morning started with us loading up the 4by4 after a coffee and breakfast and off we go to get a good spot for the weekend. Jakes knowledge of the lake is as impressive as the size of it and we were soon in an idyllic spot that looked full of potential for the fishing ahead. It being May the carp were spawning amongst the trees about 60 yards or so in front of us so there was no doubt that there were fish in the area.
Jake helped me out with the tactics for the weekend and got to work on improving my casting accuracy and distance straight away. The first day was an ok start with a lower double as a first fish and then a lovely looking common that just tipped over the 20lb mark. I had two savage takes during the night, one at 2 am and one around 4 am. The first got off and the second managed to snap my 25lb braid hooklink! The power of the fish before it managed to snap me was extremely impressive and although I was disappointed it had got off it also got me excited with the potential of the fish that were clearly out in front of us.
The fish spent most of Saturday spawning but the takes started again just as the sun was going down. I landed a mirror just over 27lb after a long and enjoyable fight and just had enough light left to get plenty of bait out for the night with the Spomb. A 23lb common woke me up at 4am and then around 6 am I was into what I knew was a good fish straight away. A little while later I was holding a PB common of 29.7lb with Jake taking the photos. A perfect start to the day.
I lost a few fish after runs that were hard to stop, the carp are amazingly strong, it’s like somebody has been putting steroids in the water and the carp love it. I am sure that I will top the 30lb mark on my next visit.
Jakes food was top notch and he was good company for what was a great fishing weekend. On top of that he is very knowledgeable and patient enough to work with you to get the most out of you and improve your fishing. I have come away from the weekend happy with some good fish netted, more knowledge, and a better angler for the tuition. I still have some things to work on…..Jake will see the difference when I am back in November.
I live in Andalucia so it was just a case of getting in the car and doing a 4 hour drive to his house. The Tomtom took me right to his door and the drive is enjoyable in itself, a truly beautiful part of the world. I left work early on the Thursday and arrived around 9 pm. A few beers were in order to get to know each other and see a bit of Zorita, a nice little pueblo where everybody knows everybody.
Friday morning started with us loading up the 4by4 after a coffee and breakfast and off we go to get a good spot for the weekend. Jakes knowledge of the lake is as impressive as the size of it and we were soon in an idyllic spot that looked full of potential for the fishing ahead. It being May the carp were spawning amongst the trees about 60 yards or so in front of us so there was no doubt that there were fish in the area.
Jake helped me out with the tactics for the weekend and got to work on improving my casting accuracy and distance straight away. The first day was an ok start with a lower double as a first fish and then a lovely looking common that just tipped over the 20lb mark. I had two savage takes during the night, one at 2 am and one around 4 am. The first got off and the second managed to snap my 25lb braid hooklink! The power of the fish before it managed to snap me was extremely impressive and although I was disappointed it had got off it also got me excited with the potential of the fish that were clearly out in front of us.
The fish spent most of Saturday spawning but the takes started again just as the sun was going down. I landed a mirror just over 27lb after a long and enjoyable fight and just had enough light left to get plenty of bait out for the night with the Spomb. A 23lb common woke me up at 4am and then around 6 am I was into what I knew was a good fish straight away. A little while later I was holding a PB common of 29.7lb with Jake taking the photos. A perfect start to the day.
I lost a few fish after runs that were hard to stop, the carp are amazingly strong, it’s like somebody has been putting steroids in the water and the carp love it. I am sure that I will top the 30lb mark on my next visit.
Jakes food was top notch and he was good company for what was a great fishing weekend. On top of that he is very knowledgeable and patient enough to work with you to get the most out of you and improve your fishing. I have come away from the weekend happy with some good fish netted, more knowledge, and a better angler for the tuition. I still have some things to work on…..Jake will see the difference when I am back in November.
Two new personal bests for Barry
The Gowar Family.
Just returned from an eventful week at the impressive Sierra Brava. Upon arrival we were met by Jake and Flash after an easy three hour flight from Madrid Airport. We chose to stay the first night in Jakes house due to our flight times. Jakes accommodation is a real fisherman’s palace and after a great meal, expertly cooked by Jake, a few of the local beers were sampled.
The next morning we set off for the lake and were quickly stunned into silence by the sheer size and beauty of Sierra Brava. Jake soon had us at our intended swims, thanks to his trusty Navara 4x4. Our minds were quickly put at ease because as soon as we got out of the vehicle there were literally carp showing everywhere. We instantly knew we had picked the right holiday to begin our big public water adventures. Once our swims were appointed we were each kitted out with an extensive selection of kit for a week’s fishing, including a very impressive Nash indulgence bed chair! Jake quickly but subtly, pointed out the flaws in each of our techniques; and in no time at all we were set up, and all rods were cast and spots baited up. Jake's tuition is second to none, he shows even an experienced angler has room to improve. However, if needs be, he can strip it right down to the basics. He certainly changed my attitudes towards my rig construction for the future.
I won’t go into the fishing details too much, as Jake has covered it all in his blog; but I think 52 runs with 44 fish landed, including a new SBD client record, speaks for itself !
So to sum up; if you are after a big public water adventure, excellent food, great fishing, and a week to truly remember - it can only be Sierra Brava Dreams. Thanks for a great week Jake, and we will see you and flash in November. Ian Gowar
We arrived on the lake on Thursday 15/03/12 and it was evident straight away that Jake knew where the fish could be found. I've never heard so many fish crash, as I did on that first night. The equipment provided is excellent. It is well maintained and suited to the task at hand. The fishing was pretty consistent throughout the week, but it was clear, that the more accurately you followed Jake's advice, the more consistent your catch rate would be. To sum up the trip: beautiful lake, stunning,hard fighting carp and Jake's company, advice, and food, were all first rate. My advice is JUST BOOK IT! If you love carp fishing, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for a great week Jake, look forward to coming back. Neil Gowar.
Speak to you soon,
Ian, Neil and Roy.
The next morning we set off for the lake and were quickly stunned into silence by the sheer size and beauty of Sierra Brava. Jake soon had us at our intended swims, thanks to his trusty Navara 4x4. Our minds were quickly put at ease because as soon as we got out of the vehicle there were literally carp showing everywhere. We instantly knew we had picked the right holiday to begin our big public water adventures. Once our swims were appointed we were each kitted out with an extensive selection of kit for a week’s fishing, including a very impressive Nash indulgence bed chair! Jake quickly but subtly, pointed out the flaws in each of our techniques; and in no time at all we were set up, and all rods were cast and spots baited up. Jake's tuition is second to none, he shows even an experienced angler has room to improve. However, if needs be, he can strip it right down to the basics. He certainly changed my attitudes towards my rig construction for the future.
I won’t go into the fishing details too much, as Jake has covered it all in his blog; but I think 52 runs with 44 fish landed, including a new SBD client record, speaks for itself !
So to sum up; if you are after a big public water adventure, excellent food, great fishing, and a week to truly remember - it can only be Sierra Brava Dreams. Thanks for a great week Jake, and we will see you and flash in November. Ian Gowar
We arrived on the lake on Thursday 15/03/12 and it was evident straight away that Jake knew where the fish could be found. I've never heard so many fish crash, as I did on that first night. The equipment provided is excellent. It is well maintained and suited to the task at hand. The fishing was pretty consistent throughout the week, but it was clear, that the more accurately you followed Jake's advice, the more consistent your catch rate would be. To sum up the trip: beautiful lake, stunning,hard fighting carp and Jake's company, advice, and food, were all first rate. My advice is JUST BOOK IT! If you love carp fishing, you will not be disappointed. Thanks for a great week Jake, look forward to coming back. Neil Gowar.
Speak to you soon,
Ian, Neil and Roy.
Marcellus & Bjorn from Holland.
Hi Jake. Thank you for the best carp fishing experience Marcellus and me ever had. Your writing about our stay describes exactly what we hoped for initially, and of course we will be there next year, with new skills, so you can probably sleep more at night than you did this time. Wish you all the best,
Bjorn and Marcellus
Read all about their trip!
Bjorn and Marcellus
Read all about their trip!
Peter & Alan from Sussex.
I am writing some 4 hours after our return to normal life from Sierra Brava – still in a bit of a daze. After Alan and I had met Jake at his home on Tue 3rd of May, we very soon set off for the lake in Jakes 4×4 towing what turned out to be an incredibly well equipt covered trailer. I must confess that our first sight of Sierra Brava (7000 acres) a little intimidating but, we were soon to learn that Jakes vast knowledge was going to shrink it more into perspective and put fish in our pitch.
On arrival at the chosen pitch, we were amazed at Jakes incredibly comprehensive kit that emerged from his 4×4 and trailer, it became immediately obvious this guy had spent a lot of time on the bank fishing long sessions in all weathers. Everything needed for a weeks session was there and of very high quality to. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to fish in many camps around the world from Siberia to Tierra del Fuego. I have eaten from a tin, answered the call of nature in a bucket or a hole on the ground, slept in a sack, and washed in a cold lake/river. If you fancy any of that, dont go with this guy…….. fresh food 3 times a day, hot shower, excellent private chemical loo, and Nash “indulgence” bedchairs to kip on. A bit 5* you may think – but after a day or so, we loved every moment of it, including the ever available stove and tea/coffee pot.
I have no need to go on about the fishing as Jake has covered that in his Blog but, as a word of advice – if you go with him – you would be foolish not to heed his sound advice and assistance.
Thanks once again Jake from Alan and I for a most memorable trip. All we have to do now is work out when we can return.
Pete Ellis & Alan Hylands.
Read all about their trip!
On arrival at the chosen pitch, we were amazed at Jakes incredibly comprehensive kit that emerged from his 4×4 and trailer, it became immediately obvious this guy had spent a lot of time on the bank fishing long sessions in all weathers. Everything needed for a weeks session was there and of very high quality to. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to fish in many camps around the world from Siberia to Tierra del Fuego. I have eaten from a tin, answered the call of nature in a bucket or a hole on the ground, slept in a sack, and washed in a cold lake/river. If you fancy any of that, dont go with this guy…….. fresh food 3 times a day, hot shower, excellent private chemical loo, and Nash “indulgence” bedchairs to kip on. A bit 5* you may think – but after a day or so, we loved every moment of it, including the ever available stove and tea/coffee pot.
I have no need to go on about the fishing as Jake has covered that in his Blog but, as a word of advice – if you go with him – you would be foolish not to heed his sound advice and assistance.
Thanks once again Jake from Alan and I for a most memorable trip. All we have to do now is work out when we can return.
Pete Ellis & Alan Hylands.
Read all about their trip!
Mark Carrick from Hull.
Having wanted to fish a large european water for quite some time, the perfect opportunity arose when Jake started SBD. With dates booked it wasn't long before I was leaving Liverpool airport for a bit of the unknown. Being a single booking I was a bit apprehensive about spending ten days with Jake but after a few phone calls and chatting, I knew things would be fine, and if not, I always had Flash to talk to.
Upon arriving at Sierra Brava I knew I had made the right decision in choosing this venue as an introduction to big lakes; it really is something with stunning views. The fishing was something else too, with these carp fighting for every inch of their lives - it was living up to everything I imagined.
The hospitality from Jake was greatly received and he couldn't do enough to help. The food was superb and the equipment was as described. I dont want to go on as you can see from Jakes write-up how the week unfolded, other than to thank Jake for a memorable 10 days I wont be forgetting in a hurry.
Hope to be back soon.
Mark.
Read all about his trip!
Upon arriving at Sierra Brava I knew I had made the right decision in choosing this venue as an introduction to big lakes; it really is something with stunning views. The fishing was something else too, with these carp fighting for every inch of their lives - it was living up to everything I imagined.
The hospitality from Jake was greatly received and he couldn't do enough to help. The food was superb and the equipment was as described. I dont want to go on as you can see from Jakes write-up how the week unfolded, other than to thank Jake for a memorable 10 days I wont be forgetting in a hurry.
Hope to be back soon.
Mark.
Read all about his trip!
Two Paul's and a Henry!
Paul, Henry and the Mole!
Jake has a magic trailer; his gadgets and contraptions bring all our creature comforts to the bank. Cooking with a double burner, oven, fridge and a chef, for those used to the better things in life it is nice. If you prefer the full English, pot noodle and chips with everything approach to foreign travel, maybe this isn’t for you. Fresh cooked food, fruit, and salads, brought to the bivvy, and washed down with cold drinks; while I lounge on a great big padded six legged bedchair in the Spanish sun is hard to beat for me. Shower no problem, hot of course, and no bits in your hair; the water comes from home. The chemical option for toilet or the more traditional ‘Snap off tool kit’, ‘Pooh stick’ or pick axe is available for those of us who prefer the view from the bushes, keeping ablutions acceptable to everyone, including the public who we share this wild place to fish.
Fishing lots of big public waters for a long time has taught Jake wisely about selecting the right tools for the job. We were given a great set of kit, perfect for the lake, and nothing you wouldn’t recognise set up in a way that will make many of us think again about our approach to carp at home and abroad. He can fish too! We were on fish from the off and with his good quality bait and guidance we were catching them despite the overnight frosts. This isn’t the sort of place to come if you just want to bang out a forty and do a ton bag every day on some fenced off overstocked commercial hole in the ground where every fish has a name. This is a huge public reservoir less than 20 years old, set in a remote part of Spain, which has already produced 60lb plus fish. If that’s not exciting enough for a carp angler I don’t know what is.
Thanks for the experience Jake, we’ll be back in November for the full moon period!
H, TP and The Mole
Fishing lots of big public waters for a long time has taught Jake wisely about selecting the right tools for the job. We were given a great set of kit, perfect for the lake, and nothing you wouldn’t recognise set up in a way that will make many of us think again about our approach to carp at home and abroad. He can fish too! We were on fish from the off and with his good quality bait and guidance we were catching them despite the overnight frosts. This isn’t the sort of place to come if you just want to bang out a forty and do a ton bag every day on some fenced off overstocked commercial hole in the ground where every fish has a name. This is a huge public reservoir less than 20 years old, set in a remote part of Spain, which has already produced 60lb plus fish. If that’s not exciting enough for a carp angler I don’t know what is.
Thanks for the experience Jake, we’ll be back in November for the full moon period!
H, TP and The Mole
