LOTS of pike anglers fish comparatively small waters, but sometimes they catch a good number of big pike from them. A couple of years ago I was investigating a water that is about 30 miles from my home, and two customers came into my shop and showed me three pictures of three different 30 lb pike that they had caught from this particular water. The weights of the fish varied from 31 to 36 lb, enough to get any serious pike angler salivating!
I fished the water and landed a pike of 29 lb 14 oz and another one of 26 lb, which I caught again at 25. Looking at the pictures, I’m pretty sure these were the only two big pike in the water. What was going on? Well, weighing is always fraught with difficulty.
You should always zero the scales with the sling, as it will allow you to get an accurate weight straight away. I once encountered an Irish angler who had caught a 29. He weighed the weighing sling and added it onto the total weight, giving him 31 lb. I did mention this, but was met with a very frosty reception. Rather than argue, I left it at that. If some idiot can’t weigh a fish properly, it’s not going to make any difference to me.
The ability to identify individual fish has been understood for years. It first came about via the carp angling community. The characteristic scale patterns of mirror carp made it possible to identify individual fish easily.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
