Thursday 8 March 2018

Oyster Treble


A challenge I set myself (then forgot about) when I first moved to London over 20 years ago; locate and catch a double figure pike from a canal, stillwater and river within the tube network.

A canal double a few years ago reminded me of the challenge as it followed a stillwater one earlier that year - but an elusive river double wasn't going to be easy, although I have tried a few times.


Armed with my polaroids I scoured the bottom of the river, searching through old bikes and traffic cones looking for a target to aim my freelined deadbait. Then I spotted her. Heart started pounding!

The roach fluttered down in front of her and she eyeballed it for a few minutes before pouncing - then all hell broke loose - before I slipped the net under a beautifully marked pike in great condition.

I'd cracked it, a London 13lb 1oz pike from a river to add to the others from a canal and stillwater. A couple of quick snaps and safely returned - before it was time for a celebratory pint!


Canal pike, 15lb 0oz, May 2015.


Stillwater pike, 11lb 12oz, March 2015.

4 comments:

  1. There it is! Nice to have witnessed two of them.

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    Replies
    1. Net man and photographer on those two as well! Cheers.

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  2. thought you'd attatched trebles to your oyster card!

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