Which lakes did you go on mate, its very odd that you wouldnt catch a lot down there, must be the time of year ?
We had a day on pats pool, diddnt get a catfish but got a F1 and a few others, if you went on Sycamore, i wouldnt believe you if you said you diddnt catch - when its fishing well you get a fish a chuck.
Also theres an off site set of lakes, called Bolingey, you dont have to pay any extra, but that is amazing, unlike anything ive been on before, i used pellets from the whiteacres shop, and i got 26 carp i think it was in one session, all decent size. Amazing.
I love Whiteacres
( going down in May
)