Flurry of large pike hit the bank
THE TURN of the new year has been highly productive for pike enthusiasts who have weighed-in a flurry of specimen fish from both still and running water.
Here are three of the best catches to get you in the mood for a week of predator action…
Ryan Barnett 30lb 2oz pike
PREDATOR fanatic Ryan Barnett said his ‘heart was in his mouth’ for every second of the fight against this giant Northern Irish 30lb 2oz specimen.
It was the largest of 11 fish banked by the Londonderry-based lad who fished mackerel deadbaits on a running-leger rig from the boat launch at The Oaks Fishery.
Ryan said:
“She was a real fish of a lifetime – over the moon would be an understatement!
“She gave a really good account for herself and was the biggest pike I’ve seen in the flesh.”
Melvin Clarke 25lb pike
RETIREE Melvin Clarke only started pike fishing in October but he’s already netted a fish that most experienced predator anglers would be proud of!
On the scales it went 25lb and devoured the Suffolk-based angler’s sardine deadbait, which he float-fished close to the bank on the River Little Ouse.
He said:
“The pike took a while to get in as it seemed to look at me and shot off down the river!
“It really was a great buzz on my carp set-up.”
Allen Cunningham 24lb 6oz pike
EAST Yorkshire isn’t noted for its huge pike but Allen Cunningham proved otherwise when he landed three fish for more than 70lb whilst targeting a local gravel pit.
The pike fanatic spent two days fishing the large Stillwater and hooked into fish of 21lb, 24lb 6oz and 26lb 4oz on popped-up roach deadbaits fished close to the bank.