Chew does it again with 41lb predator

Carl Garrett has joined an elite band of pike anglers by landing his second fish over 40lb – as yet again Chew Valley Lake confirmed its dominance of the UK’s predator scene.
The pike, weighing 41lb, was boated by the highly-respected big-fish angler from Somerset during a session on the incredible South West reservoir, enabling Carl to join the very select group who can lay claim to two pike over the 40lb mark.
His first was taken back in 1988 from the legendary Welsh water Llandegfedd Reservoir, and tipped the scales at 44lb 8oz.
Twenty eight years later Carl made it an historic double at Bristol Water-controlled Chew when, just minutes after he switched his mackerel hookbait for a smelt, the pike struck.
“John, the fishery manager, came around doing routine hookbait checks, so I reeled mine in and noticed one of my mackerel wasn’t looking great. So I put on a smelt, cast it out and it ripped off as soon as I put the rod down,” said Carl.
“I was fishing on my own, and as the huge fish came past me I saw the trebles were only just hanging on in there. It takes a lot for my legs to go, but I have to say that at this point they did.”
Carl’s incredible pike fishing career has seen him land 21 specimens over 30lb, including the two forties. His latest specimen, which measured 45ins, was boated on a simple float-leger rig made from a 40lb braided mainline, a wire trace and size 6 trebles.
“I’ve been fishing Chew since it opened, but catching another pike over 40lb had never been a target for me. Just to get a few takes here is a result,” Carl continued.
“Catching this fish on my own from a boat was a special moment because I was able to just enjoy the experience.
“Later I reflected on what had happened – it was a pretty incredible catch, especially from a venue in my home county.
“Everyone has been so kind and really complimentary about my achievements, for which I am very grateful,” he said.
Carl Garrett’s historic capture came just a week after Chew produced another huge pike weighing 40lb 4oz to Kent angler Guy Elson.
These latest forties have been backed up by 20 confirmed thirties, all of them caught during the 2016 pike trials being held at the reservoir.