![An Addiction To River Pike](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11201/389507/5de7390271b64/An-Addiction-To-River-Pike.jpg)
I’M ABSOLUTELY addicted to fishing for predators. River pike are my true love. From October through to March, I’m out on the bank as often as I can be, usually two or three half-day sessions a week, but more if I can get away with it.
I love being out on rivers, as they are wild, challenging and unpredictable. I’d rather fish a local water and catch a 7 lb fish that’s probably never seen a hook before than travel, queue up and then fish a popular water further afield.
Catching a fish is just the cherry on an already beautiful cake. I just love being out in our countryside, with all the flora and fauna it has to offer.
Being married with two children, I have to make the most of my time on the bank. Due to an absence of stillwaters and canals local to me, around Dorchester, in Dorset, I’ve learned my craft on Wessex rivers. I’ll fish for pike anytime and anywhere, and I’ve caught them from all types of water, but my favorite will always be a flowing one.
In my eyes, river pike really are the stars of the show, as they have to survive floods, drought, predation and anglers. To get big, they have to target wild food in a hostile environment, which certainly isn’t easy. That’s what makes them special.
Seeing is believing
Over the years I’ve done at least 25 slideshow presentations in different regions around the country, for the Pike Anglers’ Club of Great Britain and other clubs in Ireland and Scotland.
I’ve read countless books and gleaned lots of information about Esox lucius, and love old tales of pike taking dogs, and of anglers having two-hour fights with huge pike in Irish loughs.
While these old tales may or may not be true, there are a couple of observations that I see or hear about that I just don’t agree with.
Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e697c64ec3/crp_Venues-on-the-menu.jpg)
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”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e414c49a3a/crp_By-failing-to-prepare-you-are-preparing-to-fail.jpg)
“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!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/crp_My-best-catch.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e3d12d9b1a/crp_Huge-zed-after-run-of-disasters.jpg)
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
![Christmas stocking](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e40686281b/crp_Christmas-stocking.jpg)
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](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e6d86c5351/crp_Alien-aquatic-plants.jpg)
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.