OCTOBER is my favorite month of the year to target pike, as the fish are quite active in the fairly warm water, around 15 degrees Celsius, aggressively hunting prey as nights start to draw in.
Baitfish start to shoal in earnest, and pike can often be found close to them when they are in the mood for feeding, though they can be quite a distance away from them when they are resting.
Pike like to feed on big baits at this time of year, though I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s because they are more active, selectively picking out bigger meals, or they could just prefer a bigger meal. Whatever the reason, it’s time to go big or go home. I have seen lots of anglers struggling to catch pike on regular-sized 4-6 in. lures.
When you look at a fish-finder, you often see masses of 4-6 in. baitfish in most waters, and for a pike to pick out a similar-sized lure must be like us trying to find a needle in a haystack. But cast a 12 in. lure among the baitfish and it will stand out like a beacon, grabbing the attention of pike.
This story is from the October 08, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
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 October 08, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
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.
