My First Trip to Xijiang Lure Fishing Training Base in Foshan
As an avid lure fishing enthusiast, I’ve been on the hunt for reliable spots around Foshan for months. When a local angler friend mentioned the Xijiang Lure Fishing Training Base, I packed my gear immediately—curious to see if it lived up to the hype. Let me walk you through my experience, from the moment I arrived to the last cast of the day.
Location & First Impressions
Nestled in Jiujiang Town, Nanhai District (right off Qunxing Avenue in Xiadong Village), the base is surprisingly easy to find. Even with my terrible sense of direction, Google Maps led me straight to the entrance—no tricky backroads or hidden signs. The first thing that struck me was the well-maintained grounds: lush greenery lines the paths, and the water in the ponds glistens under the morning sun. No messy debris or overgrown weeds here; it’s clear the owners take pride in keeping the spot clean.
Upon checking in, I paid the 100 yuan daily fee (converted to local currency, it’s a fair price for a full day of fishing). The staff was friendly and quick to answer my questions—they even pointed out which ponds were most active that morning, which was a huge help for a newbie like me.
The Ponds: What to Expect
The base has three dedicated lure fishing ponds, each tailored to different species. Here’s a breakdown of what I found:
- Pond 3 (Giant Snakehead Pond): This is the spot for anglers chasing big catches. The water here is a bit murkier, which makes sense for snakeheads—they love hiding in vegetation. I didn’t land a giant one on my first try, but I saw a few anglers reel in impressive specimens. Pro tip: Use topwater lures early in the morning when snakeheads are most active.
- Pond 4 (California Bass, Golden Dorado, Baby Snakehead, Black Bass): This was my go-to pond for most of the day. The variety here is perfect for testing different lures. I managed to catch a small golden dorado and a feisty California bass—both put up a great fight. The water depth is consistent (around 2 meters), so you don’t have to worry about snags in shallow spots.
- Pond 2 (Mandarin Fish, Giant Snakehead, Grass Carp): I only spent an hour here, but it’s a great spot for anglers targeting rare species. Mandarin fish are tricky, but the staff said they’re more active in the afternoon. I didn’t catch one, but I watched a fellow angler land a decent-sized grass carp—proof that the ponds are well-stocked.
Facilities & Accessibility
One thing I appreciated was the attention to accessibility. The paths around the ponds are wide and flat, so even if you’re carrying heavy gear, you won’t struggle. There are shaded areas with benches where you can take a break, grab a snack, or chat with other anglers. Restrooms are clean and easy to find—no gross port-a-potties here, which is a big plus.
Traffic is another win: the base is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Jiujiang, and there’s plenty of parking space. I went on a Saturday (one of the busiest days) and still found a spot right away. If you’re coming from Foshan city center, it’s a 40-minute drive—totally doable for a day trip.
Final Thoughts: Would I Come Back?
Absolutely. The Xijiang Lure Fishing Training Base isn’t just a fishing spot—it’s a community. I met a group of local anglers who shared tips, lent me a spare lure when mine broke, and even showed me their best catches from the day. The staff is knowledgeable, the ponds are well-stocked, and the environment is peaceful. Whether you’re a beginner (like me) or a pro looking for a reliable spot, this place has something for everyone.
Next time, I’m bringing my brother—he’s been begging to try lure fishing, and this base is the perfect place to teach him. I’m already planning my gear: a new topwater lure for Pond 3 and a smaller crankbait for Pond 4. Who knows? Maybe I’ll finally land that giant snakehead.
