Otter’s Pocket

Fishing is mad enough; all that effort, only to look at a fish for 20 seconds before setting it free. But pike fishing is next level insane - let's go fishing in the worst weather of the year.


Absolutely hammering down, and the gravel pits had 3 foot waves on them. Bit like sea fishing. But a couple of pike - including my first pit double at 11lb 0oz. Totally worth it..!

Lured & Shaken

Well, that didnt go to plan; two lost doubles on the lures! Perch consolation prize (partly) took the edge off!!

Steps

One run all day - but it's going the right way on The Wye - 16lb 10oz. Float-ledgered sardine did the trick - and what a fight!

The Pits

A reccy to The Pits with my mate Jack. Research for later in the season, easier to see the features in low, clear conditions. It's very overgrown & unloved - the perfect environment for a big esox to hide away!?


Too many miles to travel without a cast though - we couldn't resist - and five beautiful gravel pit pike in the autumn sunshine (Jack also had two before he had to rush off early). Can't wait to go back...

The Runs

Less than idea conditions - it rose five foot while I fished, and it was cold water. But deadbaiting mid-river, moving closer into the slacks as the river grew produced five runs...

Two missed, one lost fish (didn't feel big) and two pike on the bank, including the first double of the season at 11lb 6oz. Float-ledgered or paternoster sardines did the trick.

Been a very long time since I've had five runs in a day on The Wye - not since I ate that dodgy scotch egg!

Pike Time

Reccy to a new section of River Wye - Facebook & Google Earth are useful - but you can't beat boots on the ground. Lot's of wandering about & chatting with the locals to start to build up a picture.

And I needed a pike to start the season - far from a monster but a lttle jack on a sink 'n' draw joey was just the job. Plus I lost a far bigger (unseen) pike - that'll insure I'll be back very soon!