Biggest pike of season from Chew Valley

Pike-fishing fanatic Steve Whitehead realised a dream when he netted the biggest predator of the season.
The fish topped the scales at 40lb 8oz and was boated during a prolific session at the famous Chew Valley Reservoir in Somerset – a venue that he’s fished for 15 years.
It smashes his previous personal best for the species that previously stood at 34lb 1oz and took a float legered herring that was mounted on size 6 Drennan trebles and presented in around 14ft of water in an area near the fishing lodge.
“The fish were really having it, so as soon as the float disappeared I struck. The pike came to the side of the boat without putting up much of a fight, which gave me a chance to see what I’d hooked,” said Steve.
“Then it disappeared and I didn’t see it again for over 15 minutes as it gave me the biggest fight of my life. I’ve always dreamed of catching a pike like this, but they are so rare.”
It topped a seven-fish catch that the Bristol angler shared with his boat partner, Matt Freake, which also featured a 26lb 8oz fish.
The huge fish came in a week that produced nine other predators over 30lb and it adds yet another specimen to the venue’s ever-growing list of pike weighing more than 40lb, with the current record of 44lb 6oz. 
Chew Valley ranger Jake Belgium was on duty when the fish was caught.
“It was a superb fish and absolutely huge. Every year this venue keeps producing massive fish. It’s a breeding ground for big predators – the number of perch over 4lb that have been banked this year has also been incredible,” he added.