In this edition of Ask Pike Angler we look at the different ways to attach a dead bait to a standard trace. The question came in from Dave Wilkins who asked:

What is the correct way to hook dead baits on snap tackle? Do you have the head facing up the line so the tail is hooked on the last treble or vice versa?

Thank you for the question Dave. I use three different methods for mounting dead baits. Each one is used in a specific piking situation. First let us consider a few factors that affect how you should mount the bait.

Pike have lots of small teeth that are used to grip the prey. They cannot take a bite out the fish.

When a pike takes a fish it will either attack at speed or approach with stealth and suck in the bait. It will then turn the bait head first before swallowing it whole. They can do all of this very quickly, which is why you should not wait to strike a run.

Fishing with the hooks in the wrong place and waiting too long to strike is a potentially lethal combination because a treble can stitch up the soft flesh at the top of the pikes throat. That’s what makes this a great question.

Pike Traces (Snap Tackle)

First of all lets have a reminder of what snap tackle is. Standard snap tackle rigs for pike are two treble (or double) hooks about 4 inches apart mounted on an 18 to 24 inch long wire trace.

Although I use Partridge Double Hooks in my normal dead bait set up, I have used trebles a lot in the past and still use them now and again. The trebles are semi-barbed with the barbed hook used to securely hook the bait.

If you need to learn about setting up for pike fishing here are a couple of articles
Essential Terminal Tackle for Pike Fishing
The 10 Essential Items of Tackle in a Float Ledger Rig for Pike
Click to view pike traces on Amazon

Ledgered dead bait on a still water

I use the first method when ledgering or float ledgering a dead bait on a lake or other still water. Attach the top treble through the tail root and the bottom treble in the flank. The bait can be fished in this way either on the bottom or popped up off the bottom. Here is an article on how to pop up a dead bait

To help reduce the risk of deep hooking, don’t have the trebles so far apart on your rig that the bottom treble is in the head.

Ledgered dead bait on a river

When pike fishing on rivers the bait could be attached using the same method as for ledgering on a still water and that would be totally fine. I prefer to take a different approach because the flowing water will affect the way the dead bait lays in the flow.

The bait will be laying down stream from the lead, so I mount the bait the opposite way, with the head of the bait looking up the trace. I feel this is a more natural presentation and the bait may even flutter in the flow.

My suspicion is that in the majority of cases a pike will approach the bait from down stream. These predators like to stalk and surprise their prey. A bait, even a dead one, that is staring at them may cause the pike to think twice. It might be a crazy idea but I want to stack the odds in my favour.

Another reason for mounting the dead bait head up is that the bottom treble will be further away from the pike’s gut when it enters the mouth. I feel this is a safer method for this style of piking where takes can be quick. Always strike immediately when fishing rivers.

Suspended dead bait

The third method is used when fishing a dead bait suspended mid water beneath a pike float. In this case I want the bait to be as close to horizontal as I can get it so it looks just like a daydreaming fish

The pike will usually attack at speed from below so you should use a longer trace or an up trace with this method to prevent a bite off.

Takes will be quick and the float often disappears immediately as the pike takes the prey back to the deeper water. The trebles are in the middle of the bait so you should hook the pike if you strike straight away.

Thanks for the question Dave. I hope this has given you a few ideas for your piking.

Ask Pike Angler

Do you have a pike fishing question? Send it to Ask Pike Angler using the form below.

All the best, Andy

Open your wallets and hand over a tenner for day’s pike fishing on St John’s lake at Linear Fisheries in Oxfordshire. All proceeds go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and you get a chance to share stories, make friends, catch pike and win one of three prizes that have been kindly donated by Fox Rage.

Contact Vince Williams, the Regional Organiser for the Oxfordshire region of the PAC, on 07946 572015 as soon as possible to book your place.

This pike fishing match will take place on 1 February 2015. Anglers should be there by 0730 for an 8am draw. The fishing is from 9am until 4pm with the three biggest pike caught on the day taking home the prizes. There will also be a raffle, and a refreshment van will ensure you keep your strength up for reeling in those lunkers.

Oxfordshire PAC Blog
Linear Fisheries Website

St John’s Lake, Linear Fisheries

I had a lovely email from Rob Harriman that made smile when he said…

I have been fishing 45 years, still love it, and get a buzz every time I load the car up. I have been carp fishing too much so for the past 2 seasons I have gone back to my roots, back to basics, and started normal fishing again. I am truly loving it. The thing is, I am have trouble keeping deadbaits on at range. I am using either a ledger or a float. What do you advise?

Thanks for the question Rob. I love the quote about going ‘normal’ fishing instead of carping. I have done plenty of carp fishing so I know what you mean.

There are a couple of things you can do to keep deadbaits on the hooks but it is inevitable that you will lose some baits from time to time. There are a few different issues that affect casting a deadbait a long way. Here’s a few tips…

Use a tough bait

Casting a deadbait puts a lot of force on the hook hold. Stick to baits with tough skin like eel section and lamprey. Smelt is another good choice and some course fish, like roach and perch, can also stand a couple of big casts. Avoid soft baits like sardine, herring and trout.

Use a small bait

You might have noticed that the baits recommended in the first point are all fairly small. If you think about carp fishing, casting a ledgered bait a long way is not a problem because the rig has a heavy lead and a small bait. This can be replicated for piking. Avoid heavy baits like mackerel and herring which place too much strain on your tackle.

Change the hook position

There is lots of advice around how to hook a deadbait and I gave my thoughts in APA014: How do you hook a dead bait for pike? When going for a big cast with a softer bait I switch the hooks around, putting the top hook, which takes the force, into the bony head of the bait.

Use the correct rod

Carp fishing at distance is all about fast taper rods because the boilie is firmly attached and won’t fly off. This is not the way to approach piking. A through action rod will cushion the force placed on the hooks during the cast by creating a wider arc, yet still deliver good power.

Switch to braid

Braid is incredibly strong for the diameter when compared to mono-filament line. It is more expensive but this should be viewed as an investment because it will last many times longer.

Tie the bait on

Tie some carp braid around the tail root and the top hook to keep the hook in place. I have an old spool of Kryston Merlin which is perfect for the job. I would not use elastic bands because you have to tie them and the knot always comes undone.
View Kryston Merlin on Amazon

Use a Fox Deadbait Clip

The Fox Deadbait Clip is attached to the trace swivel; A short piece of braid with a loop on the end is tied to the bait; the braided loop is placed on the clip to take the strain of the cast. Using thsi method, the hooks can be lightly nicked into the bait. Then when you get a run, the hooks are not buried in the bait, and the chances of hooking the pike are increased.

Do away with the float

A float will create a lot of wind resistance, slow down the bait in the air, and reduce the distance of the cast. Stick to ledgering unless you are fishing a suspended bait.

Use a drifter float

Drifter floats are a great method for fishing a suspended bait at range. Fished on the back of a steady wind you can work a bait a long way out into a lake. If its too windy though the vane won’t stay upright.
View Pike Drifter Floats on Amazon

Thanks for the question Rob. I hope this has given you a few ideas. Good luck with your pike fishing.

Ask Pike Angler

Do you have a pike fishing question? Send it to Ask Pike Angler using the form below.

All the best, Andy

There has been a few changes in personnel to the twelfth Pike Anglers Club committee since its inauguration in May 2012. Here is an up to date (March 2015) list of 12PAC committee contacts.

Committee Contacts

• Chairman & Representative Officer – Ireland: Neville Fickling
• President & Webmaster: Dave Mutton
• General Secretary: Alan Dudhill
• Treasurer: Stuart Watts
• Membership Secretary: Brian Birdsall
• Membership Secretary: John Keeley
• Special Events: Dave Munden
• PAC Products: Mark Skinner

Committee Support Personnel Contacts

• Pikelines Art Editorial & Production Manager: Shannon Barnes
• Copy Editor: Roger Howes
• Copy Editor: Steve Ormrod
• Advertising Manager: Sue Doyles
• Angling Development Officer & Young Pikers: Eric Edwards
• Representative Officer – Scotland: Scott Davidson

Team Internet

• Forums: Dave Mutton
• PikeOnLines Publisher: Steve Rowley
• Facebook and Twitter: Mark Skinner

Pike Anglers Club Links

Quite a few subjects in pike fishing provoke polarised views. Adam Macdonald sent in this question which addresses one of them.

Hi Andy, I have recently been on a trip to Scotland which involved some pike fishing of which I much enjoyed. I want to look at getting myself set up to do so in England, however looking round I am not too sure on whether starting this time of year (Mid March) is a good thing although I have got the taste for it! My first concern would always be the fish hence my question as a lot of websites are giving mixed answers.

Thank you for the question Adam. I can well imagine the kind of responses you had to this question on forums and social media. I have read and listened to them too.

Lots of anglers fish for pike from October through to the end of the traditional river season on 15 March. Some wait until the first frosts in autumn. Many other anglers fish for pike all year round.

People will have a variety of reasons for choosing their position on this issue. An angler who prefers to fish for other species in the spring and summer will perhaps only target pike during the autumn and winter months. Those with a long memory and a sense of tradition may stop fishing altogether during the close season.

There are other anglers who suggest that pike are vulnerable to angling pressure during spawning or the warmer months and therefore avoid fishing for them at these times.

My own opinion is that while these opinions hold value, they are not clear cut issues.

Spawning Season

Fishing a lake or canal at the end of March and beyond will not affect the pike any differently to fishing before the season closes in mid March. If you find the pike are spawning then you can give it a miss and I would not drop a bait among pike that are clearly doing so.

After the pike have spawned they will be hungry and this can be a great time to catch. Before anyone tells you that you should let them rest, just look at all of the times anglers have travelled to Scotland and Ireland during the England & Wales closed season to fish for these same pike.

Warm Water

Pike can be vulnerable during times of warm weather but this is due to the amount of dissolved oxygen available rather than just the temperature.

Water temperatures will warm up during spring, but it is still much colder than during September and October so you can’t simply say that autumn is OK but spring is not.

Big waters on a windy day will be relatively well oxygenated even in summer. The water temperature in large glacial lakes and deep reservoirs will never reach the same heights as a shallow drain, pond or gravel pit. If there has been rain and the rivers are flowing at normal levels then they will be fine too.

Vegetation

Pike fishing is safer on the fish when there is less weed, and this means in winter. You are much more likely to land a hooked pike if there is no weed.

Should weed prevent you from fishing though?

Weed does not die down until the water gets cold, but it does not magically disappear at the first frost, which is when a lot of pikers start their campaign.

Weedy waters will still be weedy in autumn and during the winter. Weed is also a natural holding area for pike and good advice will tell you to look for, and fish to, weed.

You should use stronger line and traces in weedy water. In fact your hooks should bend before your line parts whenever and wherever you are fishing. This is to ensure that trebles are not left in the water on snags. You should be able to pull for a break and the hook gives first.

Geographical Location

The north of the country is not only colder than the south but it is considerably wetter. The south east of England and East Anglia are particularly dry areas. It is unusual to go more than a few days without rain in Wales and the west of England so the waters there will have more oxygen than those in dryer areas.

Conclusion

Go pike fishing when you want to and be aware of local conditions. Leave the pike alone if they are spawning, or just observe them and to assess the potential of the water. Don’t try to catch them from shallow still waters in summer, especially if we are having a prolonged spell of warm weather. Be sensible around weed. Don’t drop your deadbait in the middle of lily pads, and use strong tackle.

Thanks for the question Adam. Give it a go and good luck.

Ask Pike Angler

Do you have a pike fishing question? Send it to Ask Pike Angler using the form below.

All the best, Andy

The East Cheshire & High Peak Pike Anglers Club region have a program of guest speakers for the 2015-16 season. The venue is High Lane Conservative Club, 23 Buxton Road, High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8DR.

Connect with the East Cheshire & High Peak PAC Facebook Group

East Cheshire and High Peak PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Alan Armstrong returns to Lomond
When? Monday 12 October 2015
Where? High Lane Conservative Club, 23 Buxton Road, High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8DR
Contact: Graham Benyon
Website: East Cheshire & High Peak PAC Facebook Group

East Cheshire and High Peak PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Barry McConnell’s Aussie Adventures
When? Monday 14 December 2015
Where? High Lane Conservative Club, 23 Buxton Road, High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8DR
Contact: Graham Benyon
Website: East Cheshire & High Peak PAC Facebook Group

East Cheshire and High Peak PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Darren Lord talks Nile Perch
When? Monday 8 February 2016
Where? High Lane Conservative Club, 23 Buxton Road, High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8DR
Contact: Graham Benyon
Website: East Cheshire & High Peak PAC Facebook Group

East Cheshire and High Peak PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Brian Salmo Trutta Lawrence talks about Ferox and Pike
When? Monday 11 April 2016
Where? High Lane Conservative Club, 23 Buxton Road, High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8DR
Contact: Graham Benyon
Website: East Cheshire & High Peak PAC Facebook Group

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

The Nottingham Pike Anglers Club region have a super program of guest speakers for the 2015-16 season. Meetings are at The venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR.

Connect with the Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Lionel Mills
When? Tuesday 13 October 2015
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Ian Wilson
When? Tuesday 10 November 2015
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Neville Fickling
When? Tuesday 8 December 2015
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Si Blaydes
When? Tuesday 12 January 2016
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? John Rose
When? Tuesday 9 February 2016
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Brian Ingram
When? Tuesday 8 March 2016
Where? The Venue, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Nr Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JR
Contact: Ash Morton
Website: Nottingham PAC Facebook Group

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Scunthorpe & Humberside Pike Anglers Club region have a compliled an interesting line up piking guest speakers for the 2015-16 season. Meetings are at 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS.

Connect with the Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Jon Neafcy – Pike and Holiday Fishing
When? Wednesday 14 October 2015
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Si Blaydes – The Very Happy Medium
When? Wednesday 4 November 2015
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Inter Region Fish-In

Who? Warping Drain
When? Sunday 22 November 2015
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Neil Larriman – The Evolution of a Predator Angler
When? Wednesday 2 December 2015
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: www.facebook.com/groups/1052441551439316/

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Nathan Edgell – The River Piker
When? Wednesday 6 January 2016
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Andy Swarbrook – Walk With Me
When? Wednesday 3 February 2016
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Scunthorpe and Humberside PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Chris Betts – There and Back Again
When? Wednesday 2 March 2016
Where? 7 Lakes Country Park, Wharf Road, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4JS
Contact: Paul Walker
Website: Scunthorpe & Humberside PAC Facebook Group

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Walton on Thames Pike Anglers Club region have a couple of guest speakers lined up with others to be confirmed. The venue is Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP.

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Chris Ponsford
When? Tuesday 13 October 2015
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Andy Frost
When? Tuesday 10 November 2015
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? To be confirmed
When? Tuesday 8 December 2015
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? To be confirmed
When? Tuesday 12 January 2016
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? To be confirmed
When? Tuesday 9 February 2016
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Walton on Thames PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? To be confirmed
When? Tuesday 8 March 2016
Where? Bagster House CIU Club, Walton Lane, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8LP
Contact: Kevin Daly
Website: www.waltonpac.org.uk

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Tyneside Pike Anglers Club region run regular meetings on the second Tuesday of the month throughout the year (except December). Meetings are at The Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF.

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 13 October 2015
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 10 November 2015
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 12 January 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 9 February 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 8 March 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 12 April 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 10 May 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 14 June 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 12 July 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Tyneside PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 9 August 2016
Where? Blaydon Cricket Club, Denfield, Back park Avenue, Blaydon Bank, Tyne and Wear NE21 5DF
Contact: Dave Cowell
Website: Tyneside PAC Facebook Page

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Many PAC regions concentrate solely on the Autumn / Winter period. The S.E.N.P.A.C. or South East Northumberland Pike Anglers Club region run things a little different as they organise regular meetings throughout the twelve months of the year. The dates are the last Tuesday of each month and the venue is The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH. They also run fish-ins during the cooler months.

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 27 October 2015
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 24 November 2015
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 29 December 2015
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 26 January 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 23 February 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 29 March 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 26 April 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 31 May 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 28 June 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 26 July 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

South East Northumberland PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Tuesday 30 August 2016
Where? The Northumbrian Piper, Fawdon, Newcastle NE3 2AH
Contact: Mike Bell
Website: www.ra24senpac.blogspot.com

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Shakespeare Pike Anglers Club region have a mixture of meetings with a few speakers for the 2015-16 season. Meetings are at The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS.

Connect with the Shakespeare PAC Facebook Group

Shakespeare PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Budgie Burgess
When? Thursday 12 November 2015
Where? The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS
Contact: Roger Howes
Website: www.pacshakespeare.blogspot.com/

Shakespeare PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Mike Skipper
When? Thursday 3 December 2015
Where? The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS
Contact: Roger Howes
Website: www.pacshakespeare.blogspot.com/

Shakespeare PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Terry Theobald
When? Thursday 7 January 2016
Where? The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS
Contact: Roger Howes
Website: www.pacshakespeare.blogspot.com/

Shakespeare PAC – Meeting

Who? All Welcome
When? Thursday 4 February 2016
Where? The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS
Contact: Roger Howes
Website: www.pacshakespeare.blogspot.com/

Shakespeare PAC – Final Meeting

Who? Bring Your Photos
When? Thursday 3 March 2016
Where? The Granville, 52 Wellesbourne Road, Barford, Warwick, CV35 8DS
Contact: Roger Howes
Website: www.pacshakespeare.blogspot.com/

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Can you help locate a cased twenty pound pike?

Paul James is trying to locate the pike caught from Wotton Lake in 1937 by his Grandfather, Cecil James. The pike was mounted in bow fronted case with following inscription:

Pike – Caught at Wotton Lake by C James. 6th Dec 1937 Weight 20lbs

The fish obviously means a lot to Paul and his family. This is what Paul had to say:

I appreciate that killing fish for taxidermy is now frowned upon and have always handled the Pike I’ve caught with care but this was done a long time ago when they were far more abundant. You can see from the inscription on the case that the Pike was caught at on 6th December 1937 by Cecil James. If you could publish this on your site somebody may know of its whereabouts, as I doubt that a stuffed fish of such high quality would have been thrown away. I’d obviously be prepared to buy it back from whoever has it now, if it was found, it is a great pity that it ever left the family in the first place but it must have gone when he last moved house as I don’t recall seeing it after that.

Paul also spoke highly of his Grandfather’s angling abilities and generosity, saying:

Cecil James lived in Gawcott near Buckingham and was a long term member of the Buckingham & District Angling Association, a keen match angler he won many of the clubs trophies outright but donated them back to the club so that others could enjoy them in the future.

If you know where this cased pike is or may be able to help Paul find it then please email Paul James at ducatiman@btconnect.com.

South Lancashire Pike Anglers Club region run regular meetings on the first Wednesday of the month from October to April. The venue is The Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF.

Connect with the South Lancs PAC Facebook Group

South Lancs PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? David Holden
When? Wednesday 4 November 2015
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

South Lancs PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Eric Edwards
When? Wednesday 2 December 2015
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

South Lancs PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? John Rose
When? Wednesday 6 January 2016
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

South Lancs PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Jon Neafcy
When? Wednesday 3 February 2016
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

South Lancs PAC – Guest Speaker

Who? Barry McConnell
When? Wednesday 2 March 2016
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

South Lancs PAC – Presentation Night & Guest Speaker

Who? Damian Wood
When? Wednesday 6 April 2016
Where? Caledonian Pub, 154 Bolton Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8PF
Contact: Jon Neafcy
Website: www.pacregion31.blogspot.com

Remember: Dates are subject to change. Contact the Regional Organiser to confirm the events are going ahead as planned before travelling. PikeAngler.co.uk does not accept any responsibility for incorrect information or meeting amendments.

Thinking Out Loud is not just an Ed Shearon number, it’s a term used by bloggers to empty their head and overcome writers block. I don’t know where the term Thursdays are for Thinking Out Loud originated but I first encountered it on the Pickyrunner blog. Sarah, the pickyrunner, credits www.runningwithspoons.com and I am happy give them the credit unless anyone knows better.

Here goes…

Master one method

Jon Neafcy recently visited the Scunthorpe & District PAC region where he took us through his last twelve months of fishing.

Jon said he is a single method pike angler. He hasn’t used live baits for several years and lures are not for him. Jon is a dead bait pike angler only.

This was the second of Jon’s talks that I have seen. The first was about five years ago at a Selby region meeting. It is clear from both slide shows that Jon knows how to catch pike. He uses a method that works for him, and he keeps repeating it. I’m sure Jon has a lot of water craft. He will be working hard, tweaking his presentations, baits, locations. But all of this is within the method of dead baiting.

When you are trying to catch pike it can be very tempting to switch methods, but if you master one method you can achieve success.

Night Piking

A picture of a pike caught at night by Alan Dudhill in the Angler’s Mail 13 October 2015 is accompanied by the text:

Pike do not generally need to feed at night, but this 27lb gravel pit monster hadn’t read the rulebook.

Over the years I have seen many people ask if pike feed at night. There seems to be a theory that pike only feed during daylight hours or maybe an hour into dark. Don’t believe a word of it. Pike will and do feed through the night.

Jon Neafcy does a lot of overnight sessions and a good proportion of the pike on his slides were photographed at night. Now I don’t think Jon is sacking fish caught in daylight just so he has the pleasure of a self take in the dark!

I discussed this with a friend during the talk. We agreed that we have caught pike in the night on every venue we have fished for them at night. Don’t be afraid to give it a try, especially if your venue is under pressure during the day. You might be surprised.

My first instinct is to teach

Thirteen years ago I began a career as a trainer in the public sector. It’s a job that has brought great pleasure to me. I love creating and delivering training courses.

This means whenever I watch someone else standing front and centre giving a lecture, delivering a course or showing their slides, I always feel slightly envious.

I admire those that do put themselves out and give their time to creating and delivering a talk. It’s just that I want to be up there interacting with the audience. Mind you, I don’t just want to be talking, I want to be explaining, demonstrating and helping people.

I automatically want to teach.

I wonder if this is also why I love doing this website. It allows me the opportunity to help people.

I may not be the most experienced piker around. I don’t get out nearly as often as I should. I haven’t caught a mountain of pike. But I started pike fishing in the late 1980’s. I do know a little and I enjoy passing this knowledge on.

Perhaps it’s time to put together a slide show so I can get out and meet some new pikers. The thing is, I would not be showing pictures of pike after pike. Mainly because I haven’t caught enough to leave anyone in awe. I would want to go into how I caught, what were my tactics and methods that might help you catch more pike. I just don’t know if thats what pikers want from their slide shows.

That enough for this week. Let me know if any of this resonates with you and what your thoughts about piking are at the moment.

You can send me an email pike.angler@btinternet.com or use the form below.

If you want to receive updates via email them click the ‘Subscribe To Mailing List’ button and enter your details.

All the best, Andy

Canterbury & District Angling Association offers fishing on a large number of stillwaters as well as the Kentish Stour. There is plenty of quality fishing to go at with most species and types of angling catered for.

There are no day tickets fo any of the CDAA waters. The club holds a few annual competitive matches for cups and shields.

Migratory Trout and Salmon fishing on the Stour is permitted from 1st May to 29th October and Brown Trout from 3rd April to 31st October. Rainbow Trout can be fished for all year. Coarse fishing on the lakes is all year with the exception of Fordwich Lakes which have a closed season. Pike fishing is permitted on CDAA waters between 1st October and 14th March.

The CDAA membership year starts on 1 April. New members must be proposed and seconded by existing members. Unproposed applicants must serve a 12 month probationery period before they are fully accepted into the club. New members must pay a sizeable joining fee in addition to the annual charge. Forms are available on the CDAA website. There are lots of concession permits.

Contact Details

Phone: 01227 710830
Email: enquiries@cdaa.co.uk
Website: www.cdaa.co.uk
Facebook: The Official Canterbury and district angling associaton members page

Waters

• Fordwich Lake
• Stour Lake
• Trenley Lake
• Trout Pool
• Bramble Lake
• Birch Lake
• Pump Lake
• Jade Lake
• Brook Lake
• Kentish Stour
• Stonar Lake
• Grove Lake

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated to Canterbury & District Angling Association. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.

Return to the Pike Angler Home Page

Chard & District Angling Club in Somerset controls the fishing on three lakes and a river. Chard Reservoir is the largest lake and can be fished with two rods for its large carp, bream tench and roach. The other two lakes can be fished with one rod only. All three lakes are open all year round.

Chard Reservoir is a day ticket water with members benefitting from a reduced rate.

The club runs several match fishing leagues and some summer junior matches.

The low cost membership runs from 1 April with books available from Barrons of Chard.

Contact Details

Les Broughton: 07704 632077
Email: mail@chardanddistrictanglingclub.co.uk
Website: www.chardanddistrictanglingclub.co.uk
Website: www.barronschard.co.uk

Waters

• Chard Reservoir
• Perry Street Pond
• Sadborow Pond
• River Isle

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated to Chard & District Angling Club. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.

Return to the Pike Angler Home Page

Chester-le-street Angling Club controls the fishing on ten miles of the River Wear in County Durham. The Wear is one of the best salmon and sea trout rivers in England. It is also an excellent mixed coarse fishery with speciment dace, chub, barbel, grayling and pike.

The club operates two levels of membership. The full membership for fly fishing is limited to 270 members and a waiting list applies. Park membership for coarse fishing is open to all.

Contact Details

Phone: 0191 3885104
Email: cdacsec@gmail.com
Website: www.chester-le-street-angling-club.co.uk

Waters

• River Wear

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated to Chester-le-street Angling Club. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.

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Christchurch Angling Club offers lots of quality coarse and game fishing in the Hampshire and Dorset area. From the famous Royalty Fishery on the Hampshire Avon to the Dorset Stour and Frome, Christchurch AC has some of the best rivers in the country.

The club also boasts mammoth pike and the largest common carp landed in the UK.

Regular coaching sessions provide expert tuition in both coarse and game fishing.

Day tickets are available for Ringwood Fishery and Upper Winkton on the Hampshire Avon.

There are a variety of membership rates tailored to the type of fishing required. Membership starts on the 1st day of the month of joining and lasts for one year.

Contact Details

Phone: 01202 480009
Email: admin@christchurchac.org.uk
Website: www.christchurchac.org.uk
Facebook: Christchurch AC

Waters

• Hampshire Avon
• River Frome
• Dorset Stour
• Ibsley Pools & Trout Stream
• Cranebrook Lakes
• Holtwood Ponds
• Huccklesbrook Lake
• Martins Farm Fishery
• Nea Meadows Lake
• Snails Lake
• Spinnaker Lake
• Wainford Lake
• Wedgehill Ponds
• Tomkins
• White Sheet Trout Fishery

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated to Christchurch Angling Club. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.

Return to the Pike Angler Home Page

Clevedon & District Freshwater Angling Club has some nice river fishing in the North Somerset area.

Fortnightly matches are held throughout the season on the clubs waters.

Membership books run from 1 April and are available from the Acorn Fishery, Bristol Angling Centre, Veals, Olivers Angling and Cadbury Angling.

Contact Details

Phone: 07866 463982
Email: clevedon-fwac@virginmedia.com
Website: www.freewebs.com/clevedon-fwac/
Facebook: Clevedon-fwac Fishing

Waters

• Acorn Fishery
• River Kenn
• Tickenham Boundary Rhyne
• Old River Kenn

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated to Clevedon & District Freshwater Angling Club. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.

Return to the Pike Angler Home Page