First time Piking in a while!

A tiny carp from a recent session on the river

With the rivers having been low and clear of late, the past few trips on flowing water have been far from straight forward. I was in actually sorting this blog out the other day and had a good look at what I had published since starting this little site. It is evident from the last couple of years or so that I have certainly neglected my perch and pike fishing in general, so I knew now was as good as time as any to go and do some pike fishing with the season having started. As I had only a few baits in the freezer, the session was always going to be a short recce which I didn't mind with limited time anyway.

After getting some work done, I decided to head straight for the lake. The morning had been rather chilly and I knew with the bright sunlight making an appearance that the pike could well be in a sluggish mood. On arrival at the lake, the largest lake looked the most attractive for the first cast. This was due to the fact that it was too quiet and I knew that breaking this silence with a deadbait offering could go down a treat. Having seen a strange swirl in a nice bay, as well as the wind blowing into it looked far too good to wander off elsewhere. Excitedly, I casted out a sardine offering to a more shaded part of the bay and started to tighten up my line to set the float. After the float had cocked and was set, I was pretty confused when my float suddenly seemed to have fallen flat. I tightened again, but noticed my float was moving unnaturally. I picked up the rod and realised that something had picked the bait up. After a second or two, I decided to wind down and strike. I connected to a good fish which made a prompt dive for the lillies on realisation that this was not one free sardine meal! Some vigorous charges towards the cover followed and luckily I managed to get the pike under control and the fish thrashed furiously on the surface. As I started guided this prehistoric creature to the net, I knew that this fish was at least approaching double figures with the girth of its back and decent length about it. Once she was landed, I readied my photography kit and sling, whilst a well earned revival was carried out.

A nice low double to start the pike season!

As a result of striking early, a nice and quick unhooking procedure was to follow. The fish weighed in at 11lbs 13oz, which was a nice start to the official pike season and hopefully one of a few fish that will make an appearance in the coming months. This was to be the only fish of the session, but it was certainly nice to have got my first proper pike from this particular lake and to have had one when the sun was getting up. I look forward to getting back out for these fantastic creatures as soon as possible.

Tight Lines,

Tom