Pikelines Issue 123

pacgb.
com
ISSUE 123 Spring 2009
AMM2009Date . 2008EventReports . TalkingTactics:IcePiking
Features AweNostalgiaTripGrahamBarstow TimeForChange?CraigWinter AlienInvasionMark Ackerley
UnderTheSkinMickyJones RiverPiking:J.SidleyChrisDonovan PresidentsShieldJohnSynnuck
Articles/Reports/Letters/News? email Neville at: thetackleshop@btconnect.com PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
Welcome
ToPikelines123
EditorsViewpoint
Ideas in pike fishing tend to come around again and again and if youve been pike fishing for 40 odd years some things will have passed you by several times by now. Hair rigs for pike were given a try in the late eighties as the inevitable progression youd expect from carp fishing. Unfortunately hair rigged baits didnt catch on because really it is a small bait method and small baits are not always the answer in many pike fishing situations. Then there is the uneasy feeling I get when Im required to let a pike swallow the bait in order to hopefully hook it in the corner of the mouth using a hair rig. The application of the method to big baits and livebaits presents problems which may be insurmountable.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I can appreciate Craig Winters enthusiasm for single hooks (see his article on page 24) and I think that if you can catch pike on hair rigged baits, it cannot do the pike much harm. However the way forward is to develop self-hooking methods such as we see in carp fishing (and other coarse fish now) in order to hook pike consistently in the corner of the mouth. To develop the method really needs access to a water with lots of pike so that the technique can be perfected. A job for SUPERBROWN (aka Mick Brown) I think? This is our last but one Pikelines, but please dont stop sending in material because the next editor could do with some choice to get started with.
NevilleFickling
ProductionNotes
So much for global warming spin! Weve been experiencing a proper winter for once thank goodness. The only problem with tumbling temperatures is that it does tend to restrict our choice of venue when the inevitable freezeups start. I do hope you are managing to get out and pike fish. For a lot of us, our rivers will be the salvation and it will be interesting to see if there are good catches made by the end of the season. I say this as they dont normally tend to be the No.1 choice for pike anglers in more conducive conditions. As Nev comments above, single hooks and hair-rigs for pike are coming to the fore again. It isnt anything new of course (not many things are in piking), however, there are several pike anglers out there pushing for change. Craig Winter is one such person who really amazed me when he first
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
got in touch just before Xmas. His objective: to make us all reconsider the merits of using such rigs. As Pikelines goes to press this has become something of a hot subject with much discussion over objectives and feasibility. As with all things human there has been good and bad rhetoric on the matter, especially via several forums. Craigs drive and passion has to be admired in its raw state, however, he has conceded that some of his objectives and claims have required modification to be realistic. A strong sign of good character. Thankfully, things are back on track and I am sure Craigs campaign to end any unnecessary mis-handling of pike on his local waters will go forward in an informed, positive manner. For the love of Esox...
SteveOrmrod
3
Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb
. . . . . . . . . . . .
PACMissionStatement...
The Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain will work to establish an environment in which pike are valued; both as a sporting fish and necessary part of the management and ecology of fresh waters.
Inside
18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spring2009
First Words
06 Secretarys Statement MarkBarrett 06 Presidents Address PhilWakeford 08 Memberships Update 09 JohnCahill
CoverStory
ALouderVoice
24 30
. . . . . Chairman Colin Goodge . . email: chairman@pacgb.co.uk . . . . President Phil Wakeford . . 17 Ramsbury Drive, Earley, Reading, . . Berks RG6 7RT. . . email: president@pacgb.co.uk . . . . General Secretary Mark Barrett . . email: secretary@pacgb.co.uk . . . . Treasurer John Synnuck . . Avalon, 24F Red Lodge Road, Bexley . . Kent DA5 2JW. . . email: treasurer@pacgb.co.uk . . . . Membership Secretary John Cahill . 312 Hobs Moat Road, Solihull, W.Midlands . . . B92 8JX. Tel:05601 313753 (7-9pm) . . email: memberships@pacgb.co.uk . . . . Communications Officer Chris Bishop . . Tel: 07775 576968 . . email: press@pacgb.co.uk . . . . Promotions & Advertising Mike Kelly . . Tel:01892 513909 07909 854347 . . email: m2mlk@btinternet.com
FeatureArticles
18 Awe NostalgiaTrip Graham Barstow 24 Time For Change? Craig Winter 30 Under The Skin Micky Jones 41 AlienInvasion MarkAckerley 54 TalkingTactics:IceHolePiking InCanadaDiana AndSteveCrook 62 River Piking By John Sidley Chris Donovan
Carl Allen submitted this underwater shot of his fish, taken by Ulrich Beyer. With the formation of Angling Trust, fishing now has a louder voice. See NewsFeed for details of this important new collaboration.
PAC Committee Contact Details...
Special Events Mark Skinner 33 Chestnut Drive, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 5AN. Tel: 07717 754993 email: events@pacgb.co.uk PAC Products Mike Hastings 9 Barking Road, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8EN. Tel: 07729 745293 email: pacprodman@btinternet.com Webmaster Dave Lumb email: webmaster@pacgb.co.uk PL Editor/Features Neville Fickling c/oTheTackleShop, Bridge Road, Gainsborough,N.Lincs.DN211JS. Tel: 01427 613002 email: thetackleshop@btconnect.com PL Production/Design Steve Ormrod MyrtleVilla, 68 Bury Road, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 2UU. email:predhunter.o@virgin.net
PAC Honorary Life Members:

MartynPage, MalcolmBannister, DerekUnsworth, GeoffParkinson, JamesHolgate, PeteHaywood, PhilKirk, MartinPhillips, GeorgeHiggins, JohnRoberts, ChrisLeibbrandt, JohnSynnuck, JohnMilford, LeeKemp, PeterClimo,HowardYendle, CarlGarratt, PaulJennings, Alan Palmer, AlastairSmith, WilmaMcDermid, WilliamColquhoun, DavidBatten, NeilShortland, MarkLeathwood, VickyLeathwood, Steve Ormrod, Tracey Foster, Dave Foster, IanMaguire, Neville Fickling, Ray Farrell, ColinGoodge, BillWinship, Rob Murray, Chas White, Mike Bell, Adrian Brayshaw, Peter Robinson, Mark Ackerley, John Hodgson, MickCulpan and JohnWatson.
Regulars
10 News Feed All The Goss,Issues andViews 28 YourLettersYour PikelinesVoice 34 Junior Pictures Our Young PACMembers 36 Members Pictures ZootaLuresCompetition 38 Official PAC Products The Best Piking Gear 48 RegionTalk Whats Happening Locally? 57 Real ReviewsTried and Tested! 64 Presidents Shield Award John Synnuck 67 Specialist AnglersAlliance BulletinUpdate 68 Regional Contacts: Nationwide Details
41
54
Senior Fellows:
Fred Buller, Dr.BrunoBroughton, Dr.JohnTate , DavidLumb, Graham Stead and Peter S.Green.
Specials
07 Raffle-AMM-Piking2009: News And Updates 09 Exclusive MembershipsCompetition08/09 52 WarOf The Roses 2 Chas White 60 PAC Event Reports 2008 Enjoy Your Pikelines...
Note: Views and opinions expressed herein are those of the persons named and are not necessarily representative of PAC policy, conduct or values. By submitting material for use in Pikelines, authors give their permission for possible further use as PAC promotional material.
PAC Advisory Panel Doctor Bruno Broughton, Professor Barrie Rickards, Doctor JohnTate, Bill Chillingworth and Dave Lumb.
Founding Fellows:
Prof.BarrieRickards, HughReynolds and BillChillingworth.
62
64
PikelinesContributions: We welcome contributions to Pikelines from all PAC members. Articles, letters, news etc. should ideally be provided as
electronic text files on floppy disc or CD along with a hard-copy. If contributions can be made entirely via email this would be appreciated. Hand-written text must be LEGIBLE. Please include contact details and caption any images sent. Images: electronic files from a digital camera are preferred for quality of reproduction. Please send the largest file size possible: 1MB minimum in JPEG or TIF format. Images may also be submitted as prints (10 x 8 preferred) or 35mm slides, but these must be sharp. If you wish material to be returned please include a protective stamped, addressed envelope. Please send contributions to Neville Fickling, (at the address details above) email text/digital images wherever possible or via the post. We advise sending important material via recorded delivery. PAC reserves the right not to publish material deemed as contradictory to PAC values. 4 For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com
PACTroubleshooters:WeHaveThePower... If you see or hear of anything anti-pike/

pike anglers, or indeed anti-angling, eg. press reports or intended club pike-culls, then gather as much detail and evidence as possible (paper clippings, dates, author name and address or club Secretary contact if a cull or abuse) and immediately contact your local LO/RO (details on page 68-69) who will deal with the matter first hand or will seek assistance from the Committee. In addition to PACs current officials, a number of past officials continue to support PAC in the role of Troubleshooters, as and when the need arises.
HolyGrail
IsStillInSight
PACMegaRaffleUpdate Winter 08/09

Main Prizes include a Cat fishing Holiday by kind courtesy of Martin Walker of Catfish Capers. Menteith Golden tickets.
Return your raffle tickets and cheque as soon as possible to be included in the winners draw which will be made in May 2009.
Right: PAC member J. Holmes pictured at Redmire pool with one of last years raffle prizes: a TGF force 8 Bivvy c/o E-Sox and more.
SecretarysStatement
. . . . . . . . . . It certainly true that for many this will be a . . tough year. Financially many of us will be . . tightening our belts and it looks like there . . . will be a lean year ahead for many. . . . Thats why in this year of cutting back and . . . belt tightening its been great to see that . . the membership of the club is still on . . the up. . . . With a new committee coming in May, and . . . the buzz that this will undoubtedly cause . . I am pretty optimistic that the 3,000
With the festive period behind us its time to look forward towards the last weeks of the traditional pike season, and forward to a new year. members total that had become something of a holy grail for this committee will be at last achieved. On the subject of the new committee, of course all will be shortly revealed as to its make up, but I can go on record as saying that I know that the current committee are to a man certain that we are handing over to the best people for the job. I think that they will continue to take this great club forward and continue its presence within UK angling. I wish them well and hope that they have a smooth ride throughout their three years, but I doubt it!
AnnualMembersMeetingHandover2009
Date:SaturdayMay9th2009 Venue:HolidayInnJ25M1NottinghamNJ105NJ. ALL PACMembersWelcome ComeAlongToWelcome&TalkToYour NewCommittee FREEAdmission Refreshments:2.50PerPerson Lunch:6.50PerPerson
PikingConvention2009News
. . . . . . . . .
than when heavy rain colours those same rivers up and we are almost bound to struggle. Anyway pike fishing gives us the ideal excuse to get out of the house and get close up and personal with nature in all
MarkBarrett
EnjoyPiking
WorthHaving
at the weekend, perhaps with a good book (and or woman) and wait for the thaw to come, but I know from meeting and speaking to many of our members that we are far from sensible, or even sane for that
Date:SaturdaySeptember26th2009 Venue:Stoneleigh,Warwickshire Tickets:12ForAdults (10InAdvance-PACMembers) IncludesParkingFee OtherConcessionsTBA Includes: StarGuestSpeakers-TackleStands-PikingPanelForum-SecondHandStalls GuestSpeakerLine-upOtherFeaturesToBeAnnouncedSoon MakeItADateInYourDiary ALLPikeAnglersWelcome
ExhibitorsPleaseContactMikeKelly IfYou AreInterested InAttending. Please Note: AllDetailsAbove MayBeSubjectToChange.
PresidentsAddress
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whatever the weather many of us still . . venture out onto the bank to try our luck . . after Old Esox. When I eventually retire . . from work I will be able to pick my days . . more than now but for most of us its . fishing at the weekend come rain, shine or . . . as with right now cold. Certainly there is . . more to fishing than just catching fish but . . it is rather nice to get a bend in the rod . . now and again and all of us like to catch . . big fish too. . . . That said even if the conditions are perfect . . we have always got a ready made excuse . . . for us failing to catch because that is the . nature of fishermen, isnt it? The rivers are . . . low and clear right now and that can lead . . us to stay away but the fish are still . . present and can see our baits/ lures and . . its got to be a whole lot better conditions
matter. At least petrol prices have come down from when I last wrote. her moods. Most days on boat or bank we see sights that the none anglers never or rarely do and it can give us a great to be alive feeling. That might explain why so many of us are prepared to fight to defend our fish and the sport it provides, to volunteer to serve on committees or find other ways of getting involved to improve matters on all sorts of fronts. When each of us retire we will be able to enjoy pike fishing worth having and after all there is enough depressing news in the country without us having to look back on missed opportunities to preserve pike fishing. I ask each and every member to try and think of how they can put something however small back into our sport.
As I write this in the second week in January 09 we are in the middle of a big freeze up and I read that it is the coldest prolonged spell for 12 years. This has put paid to any plans to fish still waters as they are all frozen solid. Any sensible person would stay indoors
6
PhilWakeford
Renew/Join online now: http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/joining.html 7
For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com
StrongAnd
Exclusive New Memberships Promotion 08/09
SteadyProgress
BecomeANewPACMember
ToWinADaysPikingWithDaveKelbrick
Fancy learning new skills with one of the countrys best lure anglers? Well heres your chance...
We are delighted to announce that Dave Kelbrick has agreed to support us in our ongoing membership recruitment campaign in 2009.
Thats the prize in a brand new PAC membership promotion announced by membership secretary John Cahill thats easy to enter, both members and non-members of the club can take part. Dave is an accomplished lure angler with an enviable list of big lure-caught pike. Membership Secretary John Cahill said: Im delighted Dave has agreed to support us with this great prize, having fished with Dave, I know the winner will not only learn a lot but also have a fun day out.
MembershipsUpdate09
Numbers. At the time of writing (early Jan) membership renewals and new applications have continued to be strong since our traditional year end of September. Current levels are at 2100 which is slightly ahead of the same point last year. The effect of late renewals and the rolling membership scheme should see the 2009 year end numbers similar to those of 2007 and 2008 at about 2500. Unfortunately the 3000 goal has proved beyond us despite the efforts of the entire committee. During our tenure we have seen membership numbers increase from 1830 at May 2006 handover to 2225 (Sept 06) and then to 2500 at Sept 2007 (same at Sept 2008). Maybe at 2500 the PAC has reached a plateau? If we could retain the year on year 25% churn (lost) in members then the club could make great strides, especially in income which could assist finance perhaps long term research projects.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Fees. . . It has been 5 years (2004) since the . . club last increased membership fees. . . In 2006 we made the decision to fix . . fees until the end of our term which is . . fast approaching at May 2009. . . . . I have made a recommendation to the . committee to increase the fees with effect . . 10th May 2009, this is due to the increase . . in postage and production costs since the . . . last increase. . . . The good news is that if you plan to recruit . . . a new member or encourage a lapsed . . member to renew then the current fee . structure is still in place until May. Details . . of the new fee structure will be revealed at . . . the AMM in Nottingham on May 9th . (see page 7 for details), communicated via . . . summers Pikelines, and the website.
The reality is that most angling clubs suffer a churn in membership numbers each year, it comes with the territory. Both Pete Green and I have employed a lot of effort (and cost) chasing members to renew just to stand at present levels so it hasnt been for a lack of effort.
8
Dave Kelbrick Competition. The competition closes for entries on 1st May 2009 with the winner being drawn at the clubs AMM. Following dialogue with Dave and due to the day he has planned for the winner a rule change has been made (see right). Only one angler will be able to attend on the day, however, if an existing member recruits a new member they will both be entered into the draw separately. Whoever wins will I am sure have a great day. Get recruiting folks! PAC Insurance. As detailed in previous Pikelines we have been conducting a review of the clubs insurance over recent months. The main change is that we have increased the level of Civil Liability cover from 5m to 10m due to the impact of recent court awards in this area. For members can I reiterate Cover is for Civil liability providing cover for legal liability under the Civil law to the general public and members of the insured (The PAC) for personal injury or damage to property whilst engaged in the activity of Angling.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For clarification, it does not meet boat registration authority requirements of the various authorities as they require the boat to be covered. There is also a specific exclusion within the policy relating to boat use where members are not covered when in boats of more than 3 metres in length or a maximum speed greater than 7 knots. There are a multitude of key facts/ exclusions within the policy, a copy of which can be obtained from me (see my contact details on page 4). At the time of writing we await an update from the broker on a number of aspects relating to the policy. A further update will follow in due course. Finally, on a personal note I thoroughly enjoyed the convention (especially the after show drink-athon). I marshalled the Llyn Brenig event which turned out to be a modest event in terms of results but conditions did not help. I also have a place booked on the Warping Drain event to see if I can remember what a pike looks like! See you there.
Whether the winner is a die-hard bait angler or lure fanatic, it represents a fantastic day out. All you have to do is either join the club or recruit a new member to be entered into the draw to win a day for yourself with Dave.
Please read the rules below...
The Executive Committee or their related family members are not eligible to participate in this promotion. Applications for entry are for NEW members to the club (not 2008/2009 renewals). Entries will only be permitted from date of the promotions announcement being 27.09.08. Applications are eligible in any format BUT must have the words Dave Kelbrick Comp written on the application. Paypal entries require a separate email to: memberships@pacgb.co.uk requesting entry into the draw. Prize draw entries will be confirmed to the new member by the Membership Secretary (please allow 28 days for confirmation). One entry to the draw per application received*. In the event of a disputed entry the Chairmans decision is final. *If an existing member recruits a new member they need to ensure their own membership number is detailed on the application/email together with the words Dave Kelbrick Comp. Confirmation into the draw will go to the new member only. The existing and new member will be entered into the draw separately to fish the day if successful. Ie. a total of one angler only. Existing members can recruit as many new members as they wish and each will receive a separate entry into the draw. Likewise new members can gain another entry by going out and recruiting a friend. Existing members upgrading to family membership for the extra cost of 5 can introduce up to 3 new family members and gain 3 entries into the draw. Entries must be received by 1st May 2009. The Draw will take place at the the Clubs AMM on May 9th 2009. Timing and venue of the day with Dave will be at his discretion. A maximum of 1 angler will be able to attend.
JohnCahill
So get recruiting and Good Luck!

Renew/Join online now: http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/joining.html 9
Spring2009StandfirstNewsSummary
By far the biggest news of the New Year is the formation of the new Angling Trust, a partnering of the UKs strongest angling bodies and experience to represent all UK anglers on a unified front (see right). Other big news: The government has pledged 1.56m to the Angling Development Board in order to deliver more angling opportunities with a focus on getting younger anglers participating. The new Marine Bill announced as a part of the Queens speech looks set to enforce legislation which will outlaw the illegal taking of fish stocks. Sea deadbaits may well get more expensive as the EU plan to impose catch quotas. On a brighter note, the EA is hinting at a bumper year for rod license sales as anglers flood to the banks and away from the shopping malls and cinemas in an attempt to get more for their pounds! Elsewhere in the news we have well-wishes to several PAC members and a big celebration for one of our Founding Fellows; happy 70th birthday Barrie!
ALeapForwardForAnglingUnityAnglingTrustGoesLive
Formed from a merger of the National Federation of Anglers, the National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, the National Federation of Sea Anglers, the Anglers Conservation Association and the Specialist Anglers Alliance. The new Angling Trust is destined to be the most exciting and important development in the history of angling: the formation of a single body to represent all anglers and angling across all disciplines.
All the organisations participating in the creation of Angling Trust have now undertaken the necessary constitutional steps to wind up their existing operations and form Angling Trust on January 5th 2009. The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) held an EGM in Nottingham on Saturday 6 December to approve the dissolution of the NFA and the transfer of its assets and staff to Angling Trust. The meeting was attended both by individual and club members who voted 30 to 2 for the resolution. The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) held an EGM in Devon on Saturday 6th December at which the membership approved the proposals to allow the winding up of the NFSA and the transfer of its assets to Angling Trust. Including proxy votes, the membership supported the 3 proposals by a margin of 418 to1, 418 to 1 and 412 to 8 respectively. The Anglers Conservation Association (ACA) held its EGM in Birmingham on Monday 8 December and agreed to change its name to Fish Legal and to become a part of Angling Trust with a proxy vote of 1,484 in favour to 67 against the change. The National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) and the Specialist Anglers Alliance (SAA) had both approved the merger with their respective memberships earlier in the year and therefore there are now no constitutional reasons for the merger not to go ahead as planned at the start of 2009. All the organisations are now writing to their existing individual, club, riparian and fishery owner members with information about the benefits on offer from Angling Trust. These include free public liability insurance for individual members, along with the innovative Fish For Free scheme which can earn Angling Trust members more than the cost of their subscription in cashback on fishing tackle and the annual rod licence. For angling clubs and riparian and fishery owners, there is a new discounted insurance package on offer which will give savings of hundreds of pounds on existing cover. Terry Fell, Chairman of the NFA commented, This is a very historic occasion both for the NFA and the sport of angling as a whole.
NewsFeed
HOTNewsFromTheCommunicationsDesk
Pikelines 124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
StickWithUsAndSupportPAC
Most of the country is suffering from the current cold snap seeing many waters with a lid on them, writes PAC president Phil Wakeford in a New Years message to pike anglers. This means that for many of us any sport to be had is limited to fishing running water. If you are anything like me you feel the pull of the water to get you out for a few hours and wet a line. I did that yesterday and even though I was only rewarded with a small pike the effort was extremely worthwhile in clearing the head and working up even more appetite for the New Years Eve celebrations. How many times has it been said that there is so much more to fishing than catching fish (I dont expect an answer) but for the vast majority of us it is so true.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . As far as the PAC is concerned we are . . alive and kicking. Our membership . numbers are healthy and we are financially . . . sound. We could always do with more on . both counts and are always searching for . . . ways to achieve this. We can look back . . at successes during 2008 and indeed . . never let a serious threat to our species . . and the sport it can provide go . . unchallenged. For 2009 there are a . . number of isues building up that will . . require our collective attention. How will . . we ensure that pikers get a voice in the . . potentially mega Angling Unity group?
Seeing the waters in their winter glory, the waterfowl and other wildlife, trying your luck and perhaps being rewarded with a decent fish are all enough to get some of us out of the house.
PhilsNewYearMessage
How can we influence the outcome of the revision of The Angling Bill to our benefit, to name a couple of matters that will need our attention. Such is our lot and we will not shy away from it, what is more we are able to demonstrate serious strength in depth in the club as will be revealed when we announce the names of the incoming committee around May in readiness for the handover at the AMM. So my message to the membership is a simple one. Stick with us and support the club. Try to encourage new members especially young ones or others who's membership has lapsed, the battle will never be over, but above all, enjoy your pike fishing. Phil Wakeford, President.
MickyLandsBestEverCatchInTrueStyle
Menteith not only brings out the magical dream of that fish of a lifetime, it has for two anglers brought out a lifetime commitment. Picture the scene, PAC LO Micky has hooked and landed an 11lb pike, unhooked the fish, goes to his knees on the bottom of the boat, releases the fish and then turns round to partner Julie and says Will you marry me? Julie is amazed and says YES. Both PAC and PAAS members, Micky Jones and Julie Bremner will tie the knot on a future date. Mentieth is surely a magical place, congratulations to both.
10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TheBestUKPikeFishery?
Bristol Water today published an end of year round-up for its trout waters, including pike catches from Chew Valley Reservoir. A total of 21 fish weighing over 30 pounds were captured, the biggest being a huge fish of 36.12 landed by Shaun Hoskins. This, plus 127 twenty-pounders also being landed perhaps confirms what many now think; that Chew Valley is the best pike fishery in England? More boat and bank fishing dates are to be made available this year.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The NFA has been in existence since 1903 and has a wealth of history; however the board believes that now is the right time to bring together all of anglings assets and create one Governing Body for the sport. There is a huge wealth of expertise and experience in Angling Trust and we are all looking forward to working with the other parties involved. The success of Angling Trust will rely upon the support of the angling community and I would urge anyone who has an interest in the sport to join up and support The Voice of Angling: Angling Trust. Richard Ferr, Chairman of the NFSA said, The NFSA is proud to be a part of the formation of Angling Trust. Sea anglers share an interest in many issues with their freshwater counterparts and we will be much stronger if we pool our resources. The new Angling Trust will build on the work we have undertaken for many years, lobbying for greater protection for marine fish stocks and running national and international competitions on and off shore. Stephen Marsh-Smith, Chairman of the ACA said, The ACAs unrivalled record of taking polluters and others to task will be continued by Angling Trust under a new brand: Fish Legal. All clubs, fisheries and riparian owners in England should join Angling Trust and Fish Legal to benefit from this unique legal protection. Now that we are one organisation, we will be able to link the legal work with proactive campaigns to change policy and practice and to stop damage to fisheries happening in the first place. Mike Heylin, Secretary of SAA said, We have finally achieved the dream of a united front for angling with Angling Trust. Now we have to do the hard work of delivering for the nations anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. I urge all anglers to join as soon as they can. It takes money to defend angling from national as well as European policymakers. Martin Read, Executive Chairman of NAFAC said, It has been a long time coming, but now the talking is over its time for action. Trevor Johnson, Chairman of Milton Keynes Angling Association, commented, One body - speaking with one voice for
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Englands anglers - is now the only way forward if our sport is to survive and prosper. But let no-one think that it is all done and dusted... that all we have to do now is go fishing. If this is going to work anglers have to put their hands in their pockets and give Angling Trust their support, whether they fish for bass off Cornwall, carp in Milton Keynes or trout in a northern beck. Old rivalries and narrow interests are going to have to be put aside and everyone, at all levels, must work for the common good of our sport. That will not be easy for some... but it has to done. Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of Angling Trust commented, Angling Trust will not only continue the work of all these bodies, but it will also do much more. We will now be able to represent all anglers much more efficiently and effectively. All the staff of the organisations involved are working flat out to make sure that everything is in place for the launch in January. We all hope that every anglers New Year resolution will be to join Angling Trust. Angling Trust is supported by Fish Legal which will use the law to fight pollution, over-abstraction and any other issues which affect angling and fisheries. Angling Trust will campaign for: Conservation Protection of angling Increased government and Environment Agency support for angling and fisheries Angling Trust will deliver: Coaching Education programmes Greater participation in angling National and international competitions Angling Club development Angling Trust will fight: Pollution, litter and over-abstraction Declining marine and freshwater fish stocks Commercial overfishing Habitat degradation Damaging barrages, weirs and hydropower Poaching and fish theft Unlawful navigation Spread of diseases and parasites Predation by cormorants and goosanders Access restrictions Anti-angling campaigns Visit: anglingunity.co.uk
11
NewsFeed2
GotAnyHotNewsToReport?
Email Chris Bishop fast at: press@pacgb.co.uk PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
MarieCuriePredatorCup
Report2008
This years event attracted over 80 anglers from as far afield as Wiltshire and despite atrocious weather conditions in the morning a steady number of pike were caught although they were mainly the smaller jacks. The marshals kept warm by running up and down the bank, netting, unhooking and weighing the catches, thanks guys you really are marvellous and as Mel from Marie Curie said ever so slightly mad! The winner with a single pike of 13.12 was Martin Redman from Hemel Hempstead who also won the biggest pike trophy (obviously). The runner up was last years winner Lloyd Burgess with 2 fish for 13.10 and third was Nathan Brown with 13.05, all in all a very tight finish. The biggest and only zander was a superb specimen of 9.04 caught by Simon Jacobs. The prizes were presented by our very own Eddie (ET) Turner and as you can see he got in on the act by posing with a fluffy version of an esox look alike! Thanks to Eddie and his team for generously donating prizes and setting up the tackle stand. Thanks also to our Cambridge PAC team of marshals, to the Ely Beet Club for their generous help, my son Jack for helping me put the pegs out the day before and to everyone who contributed to the raffle. Last but by no means last thanks to all the anglers who took part. The event raised a total of 1,629.00 which takes the 7 year total since the event was first fished to well over 15,000. WELL DONE TO ALL. Cheers for now and see you next year. Dick Culpin.
Top: ET presents Martin Redman with his cup and above, getting friendly with fluffy.
GovernmentPledges1.56mToAngling
Press Release from the Angling Development Board: Angling has received a 1.56 million boost this week as Sport England announced its plans to support the Governing Body to deliver angling opportunities for all over the next four years.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last summer the Angling Development . Board (ADB) was invited by Sport England . . . to demonstrate how angling could . . contribute to government targets of . . increasing participation in active sport, . . especially through encouraging young . . people and retaining them as active . . participants as they grow older. . . . Sport England also wanted to develop the . . talent pool of anglers trying to compete at . . international level and proposals to improve .
anglers satisfaction with the management of their sport: a process already underway with the formation of the Angling Trust. David Moore, Chairman of the ADB explained. The ADB responded to Sport Englands challenge with a package of proposals to grow and sustain the sport of angling. Our Plan is based on a vast amount of market research, much of it from the Environment Agencys data from millions of rod licences and information held by Sport England right back to an NOP survey 40 years ago.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first area identified was the problem . of young people who are introduced to the . . sport but are not converted into long-term . . . anglers. Other sports have much better . links between schools, coaches, clubs and . . . facilities whereas these are widely
fragmented in angling. The funding package from Sport England will help start a regional development network which can access local and regional funding and bring schools, clubs, coaches and facilities together. After six months hard work by the ADB team, the timing of this announcement coincides perfectly with the transition of the ADB into the newly constituted Angling Trust during 2009. We are already making good progress in achieving Sport Englands recognition of The Angling Trust as the Governing Body for angling in England. The ADB plans to start recruiting Regional Development Officers and details will be available on their website in February: anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk
EUSetToImposeQuotasOnSeaAnglers
Some pike anglers buy their sea deadbaits, others catch their own, while many more enjoy the odd sea fishing trip. Today it emerged the European Union wants to impose catch quotas and ban anglers from selling their catches. EU officials believe sea angling is now so popular that anglers could have an impact on species like cod and ling. DEFRA has confirmed it plans to hold talks with angling organisations in the near future reports the Sunday Times.
ADoubleCelebrationFor
FoundingFellowBarrieRickards
Founding fellow Barrie Rickards has recently had cause for double celebration. Barrie turned 70 recently, Im sure all the PAC members will join the committee in wishing Barrie well. Further to this, Barrie received a crystal decanter and glass set in recognition for his lifelong service to PAC. Adds Chairman Colin Goodge: We all make many friends through our lives but none more loyal to all aspects of pike angling than the founder member of the Pike Anglers Club than Professor Barrie Rickards. I personally owe so much to Barrie that I cannot put it into words. The committee felt that it was time we presented Barrie with something to show our appreciation for the tremendous service he has given to the PAC and the whole of the piking world. It was with great pride and pleasure that I was given this honour. On the evening of the 14th January myself, along with Denis Moules, Colin Brett and Mark Barrett visited his home to present his award. His book Fishing for Big Pike inspired so many of us, along with many other books. I like many others know only to well what the Pike Anglers Club has done for the conservation of pike and the rights of pike anglers everywhere. I think youll all agree that this award was probably long overdue, pike angling would certainly not be what it is today without your years of hard work. So I say on behalf of all pike anglers thanks Barrie, many more tight lines to yur mate.
12 For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com Barrie celebrates his birthday with Colin Brett and Colin Goodge.
AshesToAshesButDontGetInDeepWater!
Believe it or not, there are people who request their ashes to be spread on their favourite river when theyre ready to sling their hook in that great swim in the sky. Some pike anglers might even consider the Upper Thurne, Llangdegfedd or even Lomond for their final resting place. Demand has now increased to the extent where a leaflet has been published on how to carry out the practice without upsetting other river users. Avoiding areas other anglers have been pre-baiting is probably a good idea. The Inland Waterways Association says on the subject: The Environment Agency advises that there is no evidence to suggest that the disposal of human ashes in rivers and streams has a negative impact on the environment. However, other aspects of these practices, such as casting tributes and other objects into the water could harm the environment or upset other river users. Individual ceremonies are unlikely to pollute the water but you should comply with Environment Agency guidelines. A free Environment Agency leaflet offers guidance on completing the practice without causing harm. The leaflet is available by telephoning the Agencys customer contact centre on: 08708 506506.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BestWishesAde
A Big PAC shout goes out to long-term PAC member; the ageless Ade Kisbey. He is the regular fishing partner of Dave Horton and has caught many big pike from all over the place.
Ade (front left) enjoys a laugh at the Convention.
Ade suffered a heart attack a couple of weeks ago and had quite a scare. He is currently in Basildon Hospital Coronary unit awaiting surgery and cant wait to get back out on the bank piking. All your friends are rooting for you Ade. Good luck mate. Phil Wakeford.
BumperYearAheadPredictsEA ... OuseLostABoatBeforeChristmas?

Record numbers of rod licences have been sold despite the credit crunch, the EA revealed today. More than 1.3 million people took to the rivers in 2008 fully armed with a fishing rod and licence in a bid to find credit crunch-friendly entertainment that wont break the bank. Rod licence sales hit a record high last year and are predicted to increase by a further 26,000 this year as cash-strapped consumers seek out cheap alternatives to increasingly expensive trips to the cinema, football and theatre.
Chairman Colin Goodge presents Barrie with his Lifetime Achievemant Award: a rather nice engraved crystal decanter set.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Police are trying to trace the owner of what could be a pike anglers boat found on the River Ouse in Cambs. The 3 metre craft, with a camouflaged brown and white paint scheme, was found at Eacon Socon on December 19th. Anyone who might know the owner should call PCSO Alan Newman, at St. Neots Police Station on: 0845 456 4564.
PACNewsSnippets Twitter via the Pike Anglers Club: Use the site to
keep in touch with family, friends or colleagues: twitter.com/PikeAnglersClub Scientists seek answers over eel decline: A 2.5m European study is now officially underway in a bid to find our more about the breeding habits of the eel and why the species is in sharp decline.
13
NewsFeed3
GotAnyHotNewsToReport?
Email Chris Bishop fast at: press@pacgb.co.uk PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
NewMarineBillLegislation
WillOutlawTheTakingOfFish
Powers to prohibit the taking of fish caught on line from our rivers are included in the new Marine Bill. Angling groups including the Pike Anglers Club are still poring over the finer points of the bill, which is expected to become law next summer after its inclusion in the Queens Speech. Notes accompanying the bill say it will outlaw the taking of fish caught on rod and line for the pot. Recent seasons have seen widespread anger among many anglers over the authorities' apparent unwillingness to tackle what has become a widespread problem in many areas of the country, from the River Wissey to the Wye. Pike often bear the brunt of this because they are prized as a food fish by some cultures. They are also vulnerable to capture by roving anglers travelling light with just a lure rod and a carrier bag to carry your catch in. DEFRA's website states: Whilst the custom in England and Wales is for the catch and release of coarse fish it is not actually a legal requirement on rivers. We will remove the current right for fishery owners, and anyone with their permission, to remove freshwater fish by rod and line. This undermines any catch and release byelaws the EA may introduce to address fish theft. Reading West MP Martin Salter, the Labour Governments spokesman on angling issues, said: It has been a long campaign but we have finally got the chance to do something to protect our fisheries, to give the police and the Environment Agency real powers to clamp down on those who remove fish for either the pot or for private gain."The current hotch potch of fishery by-laws are unintelligible and unenforceable and I know for a fact that the EA are starting work on a national catch and release by-law which I want to see implemented as soon as possible. Catch and release must become the norm in freshwater with exceptions available in clearly defined circumstances such as put and take trout fisheries. Many conservation groups were celebrating after the legislation was included in last Wednesdays Queens Speech, in which the Government set out its priorities for the next parliamentary session. The bill signals a new approach to protecting the marine environment that will include conservation zones, a new planning system, reform of fisheries and access to the coasts, along with a new agency to manage the seas around our coasts. DEFRA said freshwater fisheries would also benefit from the modernised and more flexible powers it contains. A statement on its website adds: These will give the Environment Agency the tools to better manage fisheries for the benefit of anglers and commercial fishers. To date there has been one prosecution for taking fish for the pot; the widely-reported case earlier this year, when two migrant workers were ordered to forfeit boats and equipment worth thousands after they were caught catching fish and barbecuing them on the bank during the close season. The same Marine Bill could see close season changes too. Powers to alter the dates of the traditional close season on Britains rivers to adapt to climate change are contained in the new Marine Bill which now looks set to become law. Explanatory notes to the bill say: The draft Bill removes statutory close seasons and close season lengths. The current provisions impose an unnecessary restriction on the EAs ability to determine appropriate evidence-informed close seasons. The draft Bill gives the EA the power to set close seasons through byelaws, and whilst initially we do not envisage significant changes to the current close seasons, there will be more flexibility to adapt to future challenges such as different spawning times brought about by changes in water temperature due to climate change. This will allow the EA to protect fish stocks when they are most vulnerable. So, could we see a situation where pike in our rivers could come under the protection of an extended close season in areas of the country where they are known to begin spawning before March 14th?
TheFutureIsBrightForThePikeAnglersClub
Over the past 3 years we have had a strong committee, a committee that I believe has raised the profile of the Pike Anglers Club giving the PAC as a club a stronger voice in the world of angling. This in turn has helped us fight against those that seek to take away our rights in the way we fish and try to stop the removal of the very fish that we seek to catch. A strong committee though cannot speak with a loud voice and without a good strong membership behind it! It goes without saying the bigger the club the louder the voice, so please try this year to just get one of those non-members to join and make us stronger, which in turn will help you to carry on fishing for and catching pike with all methods still available today. The quality of our magazine alone speaks high volumes about our very name, this and the running of the club like many other things costs money. Today, we face what has become known as the credit crunch. We continue to try desperately hard to stay on top, which I know only too well gives those that try to knock us down second thoughts about their actions. On May the 9th 2009 at our AMM in Nottingham, a new committee will be taking over, and I am hopeful that as many Regional Organisers and Liaison Officers will just give a little of your time to come along and give your thoughts and proposals to help in moulding the future of the club. We will also be welcoming on board those that have volunteered to give there time in the next 3 years to help us fight for the things in pike fishing that we know is right. This new committee I know will, carry on where the previous boys have left off, but they will need your support, possibly even more than in the coming years. The new incoming committee are in constant contact with the present one, preparing for a smooth transition, in fact they have already been putting into place plans for the 2009 Convention. It goes without saying they are without doubt very aware of the mammoth task they face in the 3years to come. It is well known that this coming year will be tough for everyone, but the existing committee and myself are very confident that we have selected the right people to fight for pike and you the pike angler/club member. We are of course all very aware of the new angling body that has been set up to represent all anglers, called: Angling Trust. If we want to continue to be heard and remain the strong voice of pike fishing, then we must keep membership numbers high and push to increase them. We all know only to well that the majority of anglers in this country are match orientated, we also know that there are thousands of predator anglers out there that do not belong to our club, we must ask ourselves and them why? To me, If someone loves their sport that much, then why not join a club that fights for their rights and the very species they fish for? We all know that in life sometimes changes are forced upon us, not always to our liking. But to simply to survive in a world that seems to throw up new financial obstacles, rules and regulations, health and safety issues daily their will be changes. Some you may agree with, some you may not, but be rest assured those that happen will be for the good of pike, pike anglers, and the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain. No one person ever takes on the task of a committee position without a great love for their sport, loyalty to the club and its membership. I firmly believe that the life of this club has been successful simply because of the 3-year cycle of committees, new blood brings new enthusiasm new ideas and a renewed will to achieve higher peaks. The new committee have many new ideas that they will push forward, I personally look forward with a new sense of keenness and vigour to working alongside the new boys. In short, if they can stir an older lad such as me Im quite sure theyll give you all a new sense of hope. I look forward to seeing you in May at the handover. All I ask is that you please attend and give the new committee the support they rightly deserve. Colin Goodge, Chairman.
WullieOpensNewTroutFishery ... NewPikeFishingPermitForHorseyMere

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honorary PAC members Wullie Colquhoun and his . . partner Wilma McDermid have recently opened their . . new trout fishery after two years hard work. . . Its called Alderneuk Fishery and is at Waterside Farm, . . Terregles, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire DG2 9RZ. . . Contact: 07901602020 for bookings. . . . . . A silver pike believed to be a . . 1400 year-old silver Anglo-Saxon shield mount has been . . . declared treasure trove by a coroners inquest. .
A new permit system will be run on a trial basis when Norfolk's Horsey Mere opens up in March for the last two weeks of season. Instead of buying a day ticket from the bailiffs boat, two week permits will be issued in advance at a cost of 30 per boat. The Thurne Fisheries website says: The purpose of this is to facilitate both easier access and reduce the need to visit each boat and collect permit fees, this often risking the disturbance of the areas being fished and causing friction with the anglers. The plan is to issue a 14 day period permit at a fee of 30.00 per boat. This will allow the pre-registered boat to fish without the inconvenience of a bailiff cruising through the fishing areas disturbing the swim, to collect permit fees. To see this work effectively it would require the prior registration of the boat to be used and for the registration number/name of the boat to be clearly displayed whilst fishing. Boats using this system will immediately be recognisable and will not be subject to a visit from the bailiff. If all users would make use of this system it will ensure that the whole broad is allowed to settle once everyone is fishing and optimise the chance of picking up a fish. Limited access to pike fish Horsey Mere is permitted during the winter months to avoid disturbance to over-wintering wildfowl. Forms can be downloaded here: thurnefisheries.co.uk/new-horsey-permit-for-march-2009-open-days/
15
QuaysEarlySeasonPACEventReport HowBIG?
Saturday the 1st of November 2008. Once again, members assembled in the car park for yet another event on Quays. Just a reminder the pit has a track record of producing pike to over 30lb in the past, but has had very little pike fishing pressure on it for the past 10 years. It has produced carp to 40lb, Bream to 17lb+, large tench and has a healthy head of roach, hybrids, eels and perch, taking all this into account hopes are always high that a few good pike can be caught. There are waterskiers on the pit, even though they do create a bit of a wash they are too far out to cause any problems for those fishing. As per usual, once everyone had booked in they went off to find a swim, we have regular members attending the event and they went off to previously fished swims. Weather wise it was fine until about midday, then the wind started and pushed in the rain clouds which seemed to halt right over the pit. Until then I was confident that a few fish would be caught, but the more the wind and driving rain increased, any hopes of fish being caught evaporated. Sadly, I was proved right and no fish were reported for the day from the 7 members who braved the wind and rain just into darkness. Hopefully our two day event in March will be a lot more fruitful and that the weather is with us this time. Mark Skinner.
14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Its hard to make out the caption below this picture. However, it is evident that this is a big fish... guesses are optional!
PACNewsSnippets
FEATUREARTICLE
Awe NostalgiaTrip
I am sure you have heard it said that if you have a red letter days fishing on a particular venue then you should commit the experience to memory and not return in the hope of re-living the moment.
Graham Barstow
. . . . . . . . . . . . . This advice is easy to ignore as some . . pike anglers do return convinced that . . they can at least repeat some their . . earlier success. I chose to ignore this . . advice and this is what happened, . . read on... . . . During the late eighties and early nineties . . . I made two trips a year in the spring and . autumn with a group of fellow pikers to the . . . magnificent Loch Awe. This venue was a . . mecca for those in the know who were . aware of the lochs potential and who had . . hooked into the waters hard fighting pike. . . . . . The scenery towards the northern end of . . the loch which is overlooked by Ben Crauchan is spectacular, the large shallow bay at the top end of the loch is dominated by the ruin of Kilchurn castle, a perfect pike fishing venue in every way; so why had I stopped fishing the loch?
The long anticipated date arrived and we loaded the CRV and the Sea Nymph with enough gear for 5 days and set off up the road in the early hours on a 300 mile trip to Loch Awe. We drove through Tyndrum and Dalmally which were once small villages and had now grown into commercial holiday centres, the road surface was new and wider than I remember; the area had certainly changed. We arrived at the lay-by at Kilchurn bay only to be greeted with sight of a big white van which was taking up most of the parking space; my heart sank. You know what to expect when you see a van parked up at a venue... other anglers. We hopped over the style in the vain hope that the preferred swims would be available to fish, no such luck, two pike anglers from Nottingham were settled in for the day having booked into a B&B for most of the week.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
castle too. The only option for us now was to carry the gear across the marshy field to the shore and ferry the gear over to the castle in the Nymph. I had not fished from the castle before but I was sure that all the hard work of lugging the boat and gear a few hundred yards over the field and across the loch would be worth it. We unloaded the car and dropped the gear over the stile in the field ready to carry it the great distance to the shore. An old pick-up type truck pulled up and a bearded elderly man emerged, I recognised him straight away even though I hadnt seen him for 14 years, it was Alan Gray the owner of the land that forms Kilchurn bay including the islands. We exchanged greetings and some memories, I was glad to see him again after all these years, he was now 75 years old and still going strong.
It was easy to remember the beauty of the place and the great fishing but it was difficult to accept that the areas I remember with such affection had become over-fished and strewn with litter. It was no longer necessary to fight through the tree branches and undergrowth to reach the shore as the trees had been cut and burned and pathways worn to the bank. As the years went by I felt myself drawn back to the loch but had resisted the temptation in the belief that the place had changed forever. By now the pike that were left would be lethargic and tatty after having been caught over and over again by so many pike anglers that had fished the water since. I had made mention of those halcyon days to my good friend and piking partner Steve Ormrod who had never fished the Loch. Hed always had an interest in fishing there but hadnt had the opportunity, so myself, Steve, and my other good mate Ivan Fletcher (who had fished the loch twice before) made plans to fish Kilchurn bay in May 2007.
Main picture: We eventually managed to find somewhere to fish in the shadow of Kilchurn castle! Inset: The bay had changed an aweful lot since I was last here with fewer trees and well-trod paths.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
We chatted to them for a short while during which they landed a good conditioned jack pike that made dramatic leaps from the water before being netted, much to Steves pleasure! They recalled tales of great pike fishing on the loch in the late 80s and early 90s, the same time that I also fished the loch and had similar experiences. Perhaps they too were on a nostalgia trip the same as me.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We had only stood chatting for couple of . minutes when a cloud of midges from hell . . . descended upon us and started to eat us . . alive, it was time to leave and formulate . . plan B. I pointed out another likely spot . we could fish that had produced good fish . . . in the past, we then heard a bite alarm . sound and a figure emerged from the trees . . to land a nice double figure fish, pike were . . . being caught but where were we going to . fish? We drove a few hundred yards south . . . along the road to another lay-by, another . . car was already parked up. The sun was . . warm and bright, the castle and the . . mountains looked great in the sunlight, . . we noticed that three other anglers were . . bivvied up for a long stay opposite the
I introduced Steve and Ivan and paid him to fish for 5 days on his land, this authority does not allow fishing on the rest of the loch which is controlled by the Loch Awe Improvement Association and requires a separate fishing permit. We set up camp in the shadow of the castle, the ground was slightly raised which allowed for good drainage, we were going to be comfortable in this great location, all we needed now was great pike fishing and for the good weather to continue, too much to hope for, we shall see. Baits were cast out and we waited in eager anticipation of the impending action that I had promised. The afternoon was quiet with no runs, I put this down to the weather being bright and sunny, perhaps I was kidding myself as I have had some good catches in similar conditions. I took the opportunity to boat across the bay and take the trailer to Ardbrecknish House where Donald Wilson had pre-agreed to look after it for a small fee. I noticed that the wind had picked up, a stiff south-westerly was blowing white tipped waves up the loch towards the castle.
19
18
Truly Awesome scenery to fish in.
Donald informed me that a weather front was on its way. I drove the 7 miles back up the loch where Ivan boated me back to camp. We retired at 9.00pm after a long and tiring day, it was still daylight. At 3.00am I was woken by the roar of wind and rain battering the bivvy, weather like this is common in Scotland, there is nothing you can do but sit it out. Tuesday at 5.00am and we were casting the baits out, the wind had eased slightly and the clouds were breaking, we were ever hopeful but the morning was quiet with no runs. The Notts. lads had gone during the night but the other pikers were still dug in, even they didnt seem to be catching. We all passed the time by taking photos of the scenery including the castle from every angle and the prolific wildlife which included ospreys, grey wagtails, redstarts and many other unusual birds. The weather was once again sunny and warm with a stiff south-westerly which kept the midges at bay. As soon as the wind dropped, even for a moment the midges appeared from nowhere to feast on our flesh.
The couple were waving from a 1st floor window, I threw them a length of anchor rope which they used to climb down and free themselves, they thanked me and made their way towards civilisation. At least it raised a giggle or two. The day soon turned to twilight and we celebrated Steves moral-boosting catch over a few glasses of fine whisky, a buzzer sounded from the camp opposite, a large fish was being played and after some time it was landed followed by hoots and yells of laughter. A number of photos were taken as the flash bulbs lit up the opposite bank. This was one of three fish landed in the hour before dark; they were obviously pleased with their captures, I know we would have been, jacks would have been prized at that stage. It later transpired that two of the fish caught weighed in at 13 and 27 pounds. Wednesday morning arrived dull, windy and wet, the mountains obscured by cloud, the enthusiasm which was in abundance at the start of the week was now flagging. With the weather deteriorating rapidly, a move at this time was out of the question and in any case where would we move to? We had limited dry clothing and the last thing we wanted was to get cold and wet halfway through the fishing trip. Movement around the camp was now restricted by the weather which was relentless. The ground was getting a bit soggy and the water level in the loch was rising.
Alan came down for a chat.
and pushed off drifting quickly in the strong wind towards the end of the loch, I tried frantically to get the engine to start before we were blown ashore. Old Faithful refused to start so I had to row as hard as I could just to get back to where we started, the lure fishing was abandoned and the boat retired up the bank, the poor engine never worked again.
Death of the Mariner, sob!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Friday morning, our last day dawned with bright, warm sunshine, the wind had dropped and the views of the castle and mountains were revealed in all their grandeur; what a great place to be. The fishing might not have been good for us but the sheer splendor of the location provides some comfort and answers the question, why do we come to places like this? We spent the morning trying every trick we could muster to tempt a run or two to salvage the trip but to no evail. It was painfully obvious that we were not in the hot areas having seen fish caught, ah well! Fortunately, Ivan had a run and landed a feisty jack; his trip salvation, I had endured a blank, and that was it for the trip. We started breaking camp for the long slog home, Alan turned up at 12 Noon as arranged with his quad bike and trailer and kindly ferried us and our gear to the car park at the end of the track on the other side of the railway line. We loaded the car, hooked up the boat and said goodbye to Maud and Alan who had been very helpful during our stay, we agreed to return and have another go at a nostalgia trip, well maybe?
Maud chats with Graham.
Midge hell!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
fish this area the following day. I took the boat further down the loch and pointed out some areas where I had caught and witnessed the capture of some big pike in the past, we landed at one of these areas to find a black bin liner full of rubbish lying in the undergrowth, despite this we again made plans to return to fish this area at a later date. We motored back towards the bay very slowly between the islands where the water is very shallow. Suddenly, and without warning the prop hit a rock and the sheer-pin broke leaving us drifting out of control in the wind until we managed to engage the oars and row towards the camp where the engine was quickly repaired. Alans missus Maud is the keeper of the keys for the castle, she opens the great wooden door each morning to allow public access, she returns again at 7.30pm to lock the door. At the end of this particular day Maud had locked the door and left, I wandered past the castle for my evening constitutional when I heard shouts from inside the castle. A courting couple had missed Mauds call for any remaining visitors to leave.
Helping the tourists!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Kilchurn bay area of the loch certainly gets more than its fair share of attention, the days of having to beat a path to the loch and create your own swim were long gone. A well known landmark on the approach to the castle was a solitary tree that had endured exposure to the elements for many years and now lay as a charred ruin having been cut down and burned by previous visitors, probably other anglers unfortunately. After about an hour Alan jumped onto his quad bike and roared off into the distance, it wasnt long before the wind and rain started again, we dived under our brollies for cover to sit it out yet again. The three anglers who were fishing on the opposite bank had broke camp and left after catching the 27lb pike during the previous evening. How long would that swim remain vacant? Two green Ardbreknish boats emerged through the thick cloud of rain from between the islands coming towards us. There were two rain-soaked anglers in each boat casting lures, they motored into the bay where they caught two pike after a couple of drifts then they left, the driving wind and rain being too much for even these hardy souls.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four days of fishing and one pike caught... it was looking grim, the weather had played its part in restricting our fishing, some nostalgia trip this was turning out to be! The swim opposite was now taken by another group of hopeful anglers who were oblivious to the fact that a 27lb pike had been taken from that swim only hours before.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graham Barstow.
Ivan saved a 4-day blank with a last-minute jacky.
Steve struck lucky with a low double.
Postscript: Having recently read some of Scott Davidsons excellent articles and book chapters on tackling big Lochs like Awe, I now think it best to be flexible and mainly use a boat to get the very best out of this beautiful, daunting water.
Steve got lucky later and had a pike of about 10lbs to his infamous CD rig, she put up a good fight as Scottish pike do. It gave us a much needed lift sport-wise. I decided to take advantage of the weather and launched the Sea Nymph for a bit of a recce, the Mariner engine (old faithful) sparked into life. Steve and myself went out into the bay measuring the depths at various locations with the fishfinder. We were surprised at what we found, most of the bay is only a few feet deep and we were fishing from the bank into about 3ft of water, even at range. There was one part of the bay where the depth was just over 20 feet, our intention was to return to
20
You are always smiling with mates like these!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alan Gray visited our camp during a brief break in the weather. A rainbow filled the sky as the sun briefly came out and Steve ran for his Canon as he had spotted an Osprey. Could this be a lucky omen or two? We talked about our memories of previous encounters and how the pike fishing had changed on the loch. It was clear from what we had seen during our brief visit that a swim doesnt remain vacant for long before another group of anglers descend on the loch and pitch camp.
They came, they caught!
A few hours later the weather broke again, I decided to take the Sea Nymph out into the bay to try my hand at lure fishing in an attempt to catch something, anything! I was getting desperate by this time. Steve and myself climbed in the boat
. . . . . . . . . . .
21
22
23
PACEXCLUSIVE
TheCaseForSingleHooks
Pikelines AirsCraigWintersPassionateCallForARethink
TimeFor Change?
. . . . . I am sure all PAC members are aware . . that lately, a few experienced and . . respected pike anglers have come . forward and expressed their preference . . . for single hooks over trebles when . . bait fishing. . . . . As former PAC regional organiser Bob . Copping recently pointed out in a report in . . . Angling Times, that since Alfred Jardine . . invented the snap tackle (two treble . . hooks on a wire trace) in the 1880s the . vast majority of pikers have used the rig in . . . the belief that it is the most effective way . . of catching pike. This may well be the . . case, especially if the pike is allowed to . swallow the hooks, as was Alfred Jardines . . tactics back then. According to Fred Buller . . in his book Pike, Jardine was known as a . . . slayer of mighty pike, indeed his friends . . referred to him as Jack the giant killer. . . Conservation of these big, beautiful fish, . . was the last thing on his mind, he just . . wanted to get them on the bank, and in a . . glass case. Since then, there has been a . lot of change in the world of angling, tackle . . . and rigs and also conservation of fish, in . . our waters.Yet the majority of pikers still . . use the ancient snap tackle.
WhyUseAncientTackle?
. . I was first hooked on piking 27 years ago, . . . at the age of ten when my uncle took me . . fishing to a local reservoir to do a bit of . . worming. Being an inquisitive kid, I was . . soon delving through his tackle box and . . found a tarnished, silver Toby lure at the . . bottom and asked what it was for. . . Five minutes later I was spinning and . . within a few casts I had a small jack of . . about a pound on. I was over the moon, . . but my day would get even better, as I . . would go on to hook and land a monster . . of 4lb. . . . Regrettably now, as I knew no better then, . . . my uncle quickly knocked it on the head, . . and I proudly took it home to show the . family. I was now a pike fisherman and set . . . out to learn as much as I could on the . subject.That week my uncle picked me up . . . a book from the local bookshop Pike . . Fishing step by step by Barrie Rickards . . I read this book from cover to cover, over . and over again and learned a lot, especial- . . ly that pike should be treated with respect . . . and always returned to the water. I have . . not directly killed another pike since, but I . . am sure I have been responsible for the . . death of a few, as like most pikers who . . have used the snap tackle I have had
InspirationFromSeminalBooks
break offs when playing fish, or left unattached baits on the lake bed when my line has been snagged. My second book was the forementioned Pike by Fred Buller which I picked up in a second hand book shop and was first published in 1971. Fred was well ahead of his time with his methods, rigs and views on pike conservation. This was an amazing read, and really captured my imagination with the stories of huge pike. Fred spoke fondly of Loch Lomond, where he was convinced monster, record pike lurked, that fed on the large amount of powan and salmon that ran through there. So at the age of twelve I wanted to go to Loch Lomond and pestered my mother until she relented and took me up there for 4 days. Loch Lomond is a big place for a young kid with limited knowledge and surprise, surprise I blanked for the first three days, despite fishing dawn until dusk. Not to be put off, I convinced my mother, who was terrified of the water, that, what I needed, was a boat in Balmaha Bay. So on my last day we were at the boatyard first thing, hired a rowing boat and me, my mum and younger sister rowed into the mist and tied up on the last buoy in the harbour.
Main pic: Do we really need treble hooks when we can safely catch on singles?
Inset: Craig shows off a lovely 16.08 that was hooked in the scissors on a single size 8.
24
25
TimeFor Change?
I cast out my fillet of herring (the only bait I could get up there!) and waited. After about an hour, line started to peel off the reel, I couldnt believe it! I had a run! After a real battle I had my new PB and first double at 16 pounds in the boat that was quickly returned after a few pictures. I didnt catch anything else that day but didnt care! My next book, eagerly awaited and hot off the press; Pike Fishing in the 80s by Neville Fickling became my bible, what an excellent book. Neville taught me so much about pike, where to find them, how to catch them and most importantly how to unhook and care for them whilst on the bank.
Tag gun and tags.
AReturnToPikeFishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Again this book strengthened my beliefs, . . that pike conservation was the best thing . . for our sport. In fact, I learned so much . from this book that I have not felt the need . . to buy another pike book since, just learn- . . ing from my experiences on the bank and . . reading the angling press. I feel like I have . . . been taught by the best. . . . . . . Back to the present day, and I have just . returned to pike fishing this season after a . . . couple a years away (due to life and its . . complications!), to find my favourite local
pike fishery has been badly damaged by heavy angling pressure. The pike have taken a real old hammering since the word got out about the place, it is not what it used to be, with many of the big fish no longer there, and many fish turning up damaged or with traces in them. This has angered me greatly and I can no longer sit back and let pike suffer the way they have done for so many years. I now feel its my turn to do my bit for pike conservation and speak up. I have often heard it said, that pike thrive on neglect, but cant handle angling pressure (Llandegfedd being a prime example). This we know is true, but is it any wonder as pike get a rough deal compared to other species. With piking becoming ever more popular, things are only going to get tougher for them. Something needs to be done.
TimeForChange
Treble hooks for bait fishing are a rather out of date method is it time for change? I would like to see a revolution in pike fishing where these beautiful fish are no longer hunted for in such an archaic way. We need to retrain ourselves to skillfully land these fish, on a reasonably small, single hook. I feel this would be far more sporting and as a result pike will suffer less, flourish and hopefully, in time, our fishing will improve. I would like to say at this point that I realise there is a lot of good pike anglers out there that use trebles, however, PAC members are unfortunately just a small minority of the
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
pike angling fraternity. These anglers do the minimum of damage to their fish, but is it still more than is necessary? Unfortunately, for every good piker, there is, at least 2 poor pikers. They are usually the thoughtless type, the sort that leave their bait in the water with hook traces attached and walk a hundred yards down the bank to see if his mates caught anything. Or, the type, that doesnt use a weak link on his leger so gets broken off, leaving an unattached bait with hooks on the bottom for the big old lady of the lake to pick up. Or the newcomer with good intentions who deep-hooks a pike by failing to have the know-how or tools to remove the hooks and so returns a fish with them inside it.
LeadByExperience
These anglers, who use treble hooks are the biggest problem to our pike and I see them on a regular basis. We will always have this type of fisherman! The problem is, thoughtless, uneducated types use the same tactics and rigs as the experts in the hope of latching into similar big fish, it is down to the experts to lead the way in rig safety. So, if we care enough about our fish should we not reconsider our use of treble hooks? Obviously we need an effective alternative, after extensive experimentation with singles I reckon I have a viable option. Since the start of this pike season I have been using a hair type rig for all my bait fishing and it has proved very successful landing me just as many, if not more fish,
than I would have using trebles. The first time I tried this rig, I had a 23.08 from a hard-fished water, where dropped runs are a regular thing.
TheTag-gunMethod
The method, involves the use of a tag gun (used in shops to attach labels to clothes) and it is very simple and convenient to use. I will refer to this method as the tagging system or tagged for short. To use the tagging system, begin by pushing a bait flag or a small piece of rubber band
The finished tasty morsel.
Craig with the single-hook caught 23.08 mentioned in the text.
After Extensive Experimentation With Singles I Reckon I Have A Viable Option

onto the needle of the gun (this stops the tag pulling back through the bait on hard casts). Push the needle through the tail root of your bait and then through the D-ring of a size 4 ESP, D-ring Raptor hook. Pull the trigger, and fire a tag through, if your using big baits or casting long distances I would recommend you fire two tags through, this way you get a better grip on your bait. The end result is a beautifully, presented bait that will minimise any damage to our pike. As your hook is now in a different position to the usual trebles you will have to make allowances for this before you wind down to your fish. As we all know the pike will pick your bait up across the flank before turning the bait and swallowing it headfirst. If you strike too early you will miss your fish as your hook is about an inch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
behind the bait. Ideally, your bait needs to be well inside the pikes mouth to guarantee a hook-up. I recommend you leave it a little longer before winding down and setting the hook. If you find you are missing fish, then I would leave it a second longer until you are confident. I truly believe this could be the end of badly-hooked pike. If only I can convert everyone... Im going to try my hardest!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . There is nothing more exciting than . . watching your run develop with this . . method, I have noticed that after picking . . your bait up, the bigger fish will keep . moving away steadily, whereas the smaller . . . fish stop and start making you think they . . have dropped the bait. If legering, when . winding down to your fish, do it quickly as . . . there may be a lot of slack, as the fish
could have moved a fair distance from your lead. When playing the fish make sure you keep a tight line and bend in the rod but dont play the fish too hard as you only have a single hook hold (although apart from one, they have all been well set for me!). Besides, I dont believe in rushing your fish in either. I feel its better to let her exercise herself and tire more. Point being, she does her wriggling in the water, where she is wet, can breathe and is unlikely to hurt herself, much better than having a lively pike thrashing around on the bank. Upon getting the fish in the net I just unclip the trace from mainline put the rod down then walk the fish to the unhooking mat. There are no worries about getting the trebles stuck in the net or in the fish... I have seen pike hooked in the eye by loose flying trebles!
27
SteadyTakers
26
TimeFor Change?
Invariably you will find that your fish is hooked in the scissors, this can easily be removed. The fish can soon be returned to the water, with very little damage or handling done. This method is very versatile and if you are worried about strike timings, you can use it as an instant strike rig. To do this, use a smaller bait, (eg. a sprat) and attach a smaller tag (they come in 2 different sizes), this pretty much ensures the hook will be in the pikes mouth straight away for an instant strike. I like to use lamprey sections and attach the tag to the middle of the bait, again creating an instant strike rig (see below). Although, I havent actually tried this method for livebaiting I feel it would work very well.
Converted to singles; Craigs friend Danny with a new PB of 23.15 caught on the hair-rig.
YourLetters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
YourPikelines:YourVoice
Thanks for writing in this quarter. Have your thoughts and views published here. Send all letters to Neville Fickling at: thetackleshop@btconnect.com PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
GiveTheSystemAFairTry
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Since I have started using this method I . . have thrown away my collection of treble . . hooks as I know I will no longer want, or . need to use them ever again. I know if you . . . give the tagging system a fair try you will . . feel the same way. I feel it is a far more . . sporting and enjoyable way to fish, and
minimises damage to our beautiful species. I urge you to give the pike the respect it deserves and use the tagging system, if convinced, you could encourage others to do the same. Now you know a simple method that works well for pike, causes minimal damage and helps to eradicate deep hooking. Id be very disappointed if you continued to use trebles as I believe they are not in the best interests of pike. I hope every member who is not already using a single hook method (a few to choose from now!) will invest in a tag-gun and move forward with their fishing and start giving Esox lucius the respect that such a magnificent fish deserves. Let deep-hooking become a
TimeToApplyYourSkills
thing of the past and enter a new sporting age, where big fish are landed on relatively small, single hooks suffering little damage. Now lets see who the skilfull ones really are! I have gone as low as size 8 when testing this method but find size 4 is just right, you certainly dont need to go any larger. I really believe it is time to get rid of those trebles, hopefully, you will be convinced! Next question is probably where can I get a tag gun from? Well, you can get them off the internet, just put in a Google search for tag gun and they should come up priced about 14.95 plus post and package. However, as I am so keen to promote this pike-safe method to everyone I want to make it easy and convenient for pikers to purchase their gun. I have selected what I think is the best one for the job and buy straight from the manufacturer. I can therefore supply them at 12 plus 2.50 p+p that also includes 1000 tags of 40 and 50mm in length. I will also be able to supply spare tags when these run out. For every gun I sell I will donate a pound to the PAC and whatever I make from it will go straight into my campaign to protect pike. For details of how to purchase, give me a ring me on: 07814 693089. One word of warning, the tag guns are not designed to be an item of outdoor fishing tackle, so are not waterproof, please keep them dry or the mechanism inside could go rusty. If youre not already using single hooks now is the time to give them a go. Thanks for reading this and please reconsider. Im sure if we can impress everyone, our fishing and quality of pike will vastly improve for future generations. Tight Single Hook Lines. Craig Winter.
Left: a roach riggedup and ready to cast. Below: Craigs preferred instant-strike lamprey set-up.
. . . Hello Neville, In Pikelines 120 you . . published a letter of mine thanking the . . Sheffield and Rotherham Region 99 and . . the Don Valley Specimen Group for . running a fund raising event to raise money . . . for a charity called The Chernobyl . . Childrens Lifeline. . . . . As mentioned in the letter we hosted a . . nine year old boy for a month over July . and August. He was called Zjenya, and he . . . a great time staying with us in Sheffield. . He spotted my fishing tackle and we were . . . soon out on the towpath of the Sheffield . . canal at Tinsley Marina with some light . . spinning tackle. The first session was . . unfortunately a blank. . . . . However, he wasnt put off and we . returned a week later to bank a small jack . . . and an even smaller perch! He was . . absolutely made up, (see junior pictures . . page 34). You might notice he is wearing . . a Calcutta lures baseball cap, this was . actually a raffle prize that I won at the fund . . . raising evening, it has now gone back to . . Belarus with him. . . . I would like to think that this is perhaps one . . Eastern European who is now converted to . . . catch and release! Although he was quite . . annoyed when I put the fish back! . . . . Many thanks, Matt Shaw. . . . . . . . . . . At first I was rather taken aback to see . . PAC giving PAAS a platform in the last . issue of Pikelines. On reflection perhaps I . . should have seen this coming. Those who . . . were not around at the time may be . unaware of the unpleasant rift which led to . . . some PAC members in Scotland leaving . . the Club and the subsequent formation . . of the PAAS. . . . . This was a difficult and upsetting time for . . all involved and a great deal of hurt was . . felt on both sides. As PACs secretary at . . that time I had sought, with the help of . . SAA, to bring closure to the infighting . . which had divided our sport since the . . problems surrounding the pike fishing . . at Blithfield the previous year. . . . . Despite the very best of intentions on all . . sides, some were dissatisfied with the
EasternPromise
agreement reached and withdrew their support from PAC. Time marches on and, although I would much have preferred to see everyone remain within PAC, I can now accept that PAAS has evolved into something which is good for pike angling in Scotland. Very often people who have been directly affected by such events find it difficult to forgive and forget, but sometimes we have to try and put personal feelings aside if we are to move forward. I probably have more reason than most to dwell on some of these issues but realise that continually dragging up the past and feeling bitter towards others gets us absolutely nowhere. With this in mind, I would very much like to see an end to the impersonal and derogatory remarks we sometimes see in Pikelines, especially when these are directed at those who have served PAC as committee members in the past; and whether we happen to have agreed with their actions or not. One contributer in the last issue suggested that there is something destructive about the general secretarys position (which) appears to turn normal rational people into megalomaniacs at times. People are entitled to their opinions, no matter how misguided, but I do feel that the publication of comments like these implies a lack of gratitude and respect for those who have helped to develop PAC into what it is today. We can all take great pride in PACs achievements over the years. As members we all play a part in its success and none of us deserve to be ridiculed for the contribution we make. Mark Leathwood.
RespectNeeded
Izaac Walton. Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration.
Quote FromThe Past
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editors comment: Being a fellow committee member at the time of the Blithgate backlash I can emphasise with Marks feelings. However, as Mark correctly points out time marches on and a lot of healing has been very carefully made in respect to the after effects of the whole episode. We can only put it behind us and go forward with what matters the most; the conservation and protection of our cherished sport fish. It has been such a good feeling to be able to communicate and enjoy the company of fellow PAAS officers and members; we are all on the same side really. I for one am proud that Mark has made a positive response. SO.
SupportForCharityMatch
I dont know if Dick Culpin or anybody else has reported on the above match held on the Great Ouse between Ely and Littleport on 23 November 2008. See full report in NewsFeed, SO. I won the match and biggest fish with one fish of 13.12 caught on a roach deadbait, legered down the inside in conjunction with one of the new Baitbox Pike Bombs using a Blood and Oil insert. I forgot my camera for the first time, isnt it always the case. I know people have issues with pike matches but I have supported this one since its conception and each match raises several thousand from the ticket money and raffle. Eddie Turner sponsored the match and presented the prizes, so I came away with 178 (from the optional pools) and items of tackle for 1st place (Cup) and biggest fish (Shield). Regards, Martin Redman.
28
29
UnderTheSkin
ThisQuarter NevilleTalksToMickyJones
. . . . . . Q: How old are you and how long have . . . you pike fished? Hi Nev, I am 37 years . young and I hail from the Highland capital . . . of Inverness, Scotland. I have been . . fishing for 25 years but only discovered . pike fishing seven years ago. With being . . . brought up in north west Sutherland . . we dont have pike, so it was all trout, . sea trout and sea fishing for me. To give . . . you a rough idea TVs Nick Hancocks . . Fishing School was filmed on my old . fishing waters, so I cant complain really. . Hi Micky, many thanks for taking part in the Under The Skin series.
Q: Favorite water? Living in Inverness I

really am spoilt for choice, the lochs of the Cairngorms, some fantastic waters to the north and west of me, but I dont think it would be fair to these waters to say I had a Favourite. We do have some breathtaking scenery in the highlands.
Q: Favourite method? Deadbaiting and popped-up trout at the edge of weed beds are my favoured methods, but I am putting a lot of time in chucking fluff and really getting into lure fishing. God knows its costing me enough (ha ha).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Q: Biggest pike? Biggest pike to date is 24.01,a modest fish to some of you I am sure, but up here we dont have the shoals of silver baitfish etc like the southern waters. We have purely trout, perch and eel as the staple diet for most pike, so they tend to be lean mean fighting machines. This fish came a week after I broke my previous PB of 22.08, so its been going well... 2 pounds in the space of a week. I also added a couple of twenty braces this year; another first for me. Q: Who are your fishing mates? Now thats a tricky one. I dont want to upset anybody by missing them out. I spent a lot of time this year fishing with Rab Hay, the chairman of the RA74, Robbie Milne, Ian Hopkins and all the other members of the club (theyre a great group).
I also made a lot of new fishing mates like Sandy and the guys from North Lanarkshire RA93, Scott and the guys from Ayrshire RA52 as well as Jim Morrice, Mikey Pikey, Dave Mc-fluffchucker, Steve Tapley, Ricky Mcintrye, and the guys from the Pike Anglers Alliance for Scotland, all top blokes. Oh and of course my girlfriend Julie who has a habit of out-fishing me. For example; Julies PB of 13.08, again on a day that I never caught much.
Micky pike fishes in stunning settings.
MickyMost
30
Mickys PBs... 24.01. Inset: Fiance Julie with another Highland beauty.
31
...you cant beat it!
Q: Is there anywhere youd really like to pike fish? The Baltic. I have seen so
many TV programs, I just want to go there. I have plans for that in 2009 (fingers crossed), been very lucky this past year to cross a few ambitions of the list. I had a week in Spain with Spanish safaris which saw a few pike to the boat the biggest being 16.08. I also had my first ever barbel which was a bonus, thanks to Ricky, James and Andy for sorting the trip out. Also had my first English pike on a charity event on Esthwaite water between PFFA/PAAS which got me the 3rd place cup. Of coarse theres always the lake of Menteith which I have been lucky enough to fish a couple of times last year. On my last visit I proposed to Julie out on the water and she said yes, so thats got be the best catch of the year for me!
Q: What do you enjoy best; bank or boat fishing? At the moment I have to say
bank fishing. I got myself a 16ft Orkney Strikeliner not long ago and am still getting to grips with it. Okay, its like this; everyone I take out in the boat catches fish and I dont. Thinking of getting it blessed or something? Not doing too bad on event or hired boats though I just cant get a fish to my own boat. I now have a float tube to play with too... happy days!
Q: If you won the lottery what would you do? I would need to buy a ticket first,
but say if I did win, I would enjoy it and as for the begging letters, I would still send them! But a pipe dream for me would be to open a pike fishery in the highlands with all mod cons; loch-side cabins with piers, plenty of room for anglers to bivvie up etc. Maybe a few boats for the lure/fly fishermen and for it to be a place that folk can come to relax and enjoy themselves. If there were any change from the tenner I would donate it to the boffins to invent a midge cream that works!
Q: What do you like best about pike fishing? I love the wait. Not knowing
when the alarms are going to scream off,
32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
is it a 3 or 20 pound fish? I enjoy just being out in nature regardless of the weather. The social side is great too, the banter you get with the boys is always a good laugh and the fact that no matter how stressful life gets, 10 minutes behind the rods and its all gone. I love it. But I do enjoy watching a fish swim off safe and sound, none the worse for its capture.
Q: Any dislikes? Again, like most of us, the idiots that leave a mess and chop down trees etc. I dislike easterly winds, midges and the extra postage costs because I live in the highlands. I could go on but I want to keep this rant as short as possible!! Q: Any regrets? Not really. I always say
its better to do things and regret them, than regret not doing them at all.
Q: Why are you a PAC member? To give something back to the sport that I enjoy so much and to meet like-minded people. I know the PAC, and for that matter the PFFA, PAAS and other groups all work hard to preserve our sport and protect pike. If I can help be part of that I will, well done to all the committees and members past and present; the future is bright. Q: Profession? I have a small groundworks company, we specialise in drainage and road construction and being the gaffer allows me to get more fishing days through the week, or as I call it... a meeting with the bank. Q: Favourite pike fishing book? At this moment in time I am reading PAC30 and just got a copy of Mammoth Pike which you kindly signed whilst up in Lanarkshire doing a slide show. Maybe one day I will get my ugly mug in there or even do a chapter for PAC50, (ha ha). More recently picked up a copy of your Big Water Pike Fishing also Times to Remember by Bob Buteux and friends at the convention, but not turned a page yet (must try and read more often).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The latest addition to my small but growing book collection was a signed copy of Fred Bullers Doomsday Book of Mammoth pike.
Q: You have the chance of a day on an exclusive trout water. You can take a guest, who would that be? Another tricky
one. I could go for one of the big name pikers, but I think it would have to be one of the RA74 members. I would like to share my good fortune with the guys I fish with everyday.
Q: The last piece of fishing gear you bought? Got a couple of Dave Lumbs
bait blasters heading north as I type this but I do tend to buy a lot of lures (yes one day I will go to rehab). My spare room would put a lot of tackle shops to shame!
Top left: Highland serenity! Top right: Putting the rods out after mooring the boat while Julie gets the supper on. Above left: Micky with an 18.08 that closely followed a twenty. Above right: All set for another adventure in the boat.
...no matter how
Q: When do you pike fish? Mostly weekends but if I can get a few days away from work through the week, Im off. I normally say if a day ends in Y then its a fishing day.
Life
stressful gets, 10 minutes
Q: How far do you travel to pike fish?

I tend to stick within a 70 mile radius of Inverness, but I do travel a lot further for events. I have been known to do 6 hour round trips to fish lochs in southern Scotland. My attitude tends to be: have rods, will travel.
Below left: The best part of piking; seeing them power off. Below right: Mark Berresford lure fishes; Highland style.
behind the
Rods and
its all gone.
Q: Mode of transport? At the moment I have a Ford transit pick-up and a Mitsubishi Shogun sport. The pick-up is handy for up to 3 people with room for loads of gear on the back, but have the 4x4 for towing the boat and getting to some of the more off the beaten track waters. Q: Whats your favourite bankside food or snack? Now thats got to be the Lorne
sausage, bacon and egg with tattie scone in a roll, you just cant beat that washed down with a nice cup of coffee!
NJF: Many thanks for responding to this quarters grilling Micky.

33
JuniorPictures
At last, we have enough junior pictures to make up a proper gallery. Apologies to those who sent in material some time ago. I will now need more pictures though! Send digitals to Steve at: predhunter.o@virgin.net or prints to my address on page 4.
Matt Shaws recent letter told of his involvement with The Chernobyl childrens Lifeline. Heres a picture of Zjenya, a nine year old boy that Matt hosted for the summer. Says Matt he spotted my fishing gear and we were soon on the towpath. Well done to Tom Culpin on his recent New Years PB of 17.02. She took a sardine.
Isaac Hastings looks well pleased with his catch! Eric Robinson sent in this picture of his son Elliot with a superbly coloured N. Yorks pike. Keeping piking in the family again is Graham Taylor shown here with 3 year old Jack and a river mid-double. Right: Elder son Kyle with a lure-caught PB of 16.00 from a local gravel pit, who needs Playstations said Graham.
Left: Also keeping piking in the family is Mark Ross as son Rohan strikes again with a New Years eve 14.02. Below: Not to be outdone, Marks eldest son Liam with a lovely 10-pounder. He likes fish but wont touch them quotes Giles Hill on his son Charlies first pike.
Ben Higgins proudly shows off his new 18.12 PB caught from a Southern water on a livebait. Thanks to dad Martin for sending it in.
Godfrey Goff Dyer sent in this piccy of his 15 year old neice Sam with her new PB of 16.00 taken on a paternostered roach deadbait.
Eddie Turners Grandaughter looks like she will keep piking in the family!
34
35
MembersPictures
Congratulations to Dave Middleton on behalf of Jim Tyree who has won the Zoota Lures/ Pikelines Gallery Competition for issue 123. As with all previous winners he will receive both the special gold-coloured Curly Jack lure which is made exclusively for the competition, and also a Zoota Lures voucher worth 20. If you would like the chance to win a prize then all you have to do is send in a picture to the magazine. Each issue my criteria for choosing the winning photo is simply the one that I like best, so as long as its pike fishing related your picture stands every chance of winning. Good Luck and Tight Lines from Alex Prouse.
YourPikelines:Your Gallery
See your catch here, send digital pictures to Steve Ormrod at: predhunter.o@virgin.net
My river 20 at last! Stuart Turner looks over the moon after fulfilling a dream on opening day last summer. She fell to a float-legered roach.
Brian Puzeys grin says it all as he holds a Rutland 19.04 caught on a Wobbly Bob lure.
SENPACs Kay Needham looking very happy with her catch
PAAS Secretary Joe Toner with a summer 20 to warm you all up!
Double the fun... Left: I hooked the pike on the left and on netting found two together said Steve Rodgers, I thought I was seeing double!
The Pike Shops proprietor Steve Bridgen with a lovely Broadland 26.02.
Right: John Berry got a big surprise when he caught this low double; a huge fish followed it in and was almost netted at the same time. 36 See more member pictures at: pacgb.co.uk/gallery/index.htm
New member Gavin Kelly tackled up well and caught his first pike; a Welsh deadbait-muncher. Welcome and well done Gavin, the first of many we hope. Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb 37
LatestProducts OfficialPACProducts
ToOrder:CompleteAndPostYourProductsForm
Or contact Mike Hastings at: pacprodman@btinternet.com Visit PACs NEW Products Webshop at: pacgb.com
Note: All items shown are for illustration purposes only and are not to scale. Errors and omissions accepted.
i. Full-Zip Fleece a. Baseball Cap

Colours: Green and Blue Order Code: BC One Size: 9.00
Grey a. Blue b. Red
Colours: Green, Grey, Blue, Red Order Code: FZF Child: 24.00 Adult: 28.00
b. Wooly Hat
Colour: Green.Order Code: WH One Size: 8.00
Half-Zip Fleece
(not shown) Colours: Green, Grey, Blue, Red Order Code: HZF Child: 23.00 Adult: 27.00
c. T-Shirt*
Order Code: TS Child: 9.50. Adult: 10.50
c.
i.
PAC Badges d. Polo Shirt*

Order Code: PS Child: 15.50. Adult: 17.00
j.
Three-inch dia. Cloth. Order Code: CB. 3.50 One-inch dia. Enamelled metal Order Code: EB. 3.00
k.
e. Sweatshirt*
Order Code: SS Child: 16.50. Adult: 19.00
d. h.
f. Hoody*
l. Round car sticker Order Code: CS. 1.50
SafariShirt
A Colin Goodge Classic shirt. High quality long-sleeve in Khaki with embroidered gold PAC logo. Sizes: Medium, Large, XL, XXL. Special order only, there is a waiting time of 3 weeks for delivery prior to order. Order Code: SAF. 25.00. Note: personalisation is available on this item, see right.
Order Code: HS Child: 20.00. Adult: 23.50 Colours: Child: Red, Grey, Navy. Adult: Green only *Items (c-f) in Green only
j. e.
m. PAC Mouse Mat

Order Code: MM. 2.50
g. Camo T-Shirts
Hardwood Green pattern with the PAC logo embroidered on the chest. Sizes: Medium, Large, XL, XXL. Short Sleeve. Order Code: CSS. 21.00. Long Sleeve. Order Code: CLS. 25.00.
Note: personalisation is NOT available on Camo items.
n. Thermal Mug
l. k. f.
Stainless steel Order Code: TM. 5.50
o. 6 Boat Sticker
Large full-colour PAC logo. Order Code: BS6. 3.00.
PAC30Book
The celebratory book that is proving to be a best seller with 30 great stories. History, humour, heartaches, passion, but above all... inspiration from some of PACs greatest writers. Hurry, get yours now as remaining stocks are selling out fast. Hardbacks: 25 + 5 P&P. Leatherbounds: 185 + 5 recorded P&P. To order: Please send your cheque payable to The PAC to: Mark Barrett, 32 Berristead Close, Wilburton, Ely, Cambs. CB6 3RS. Or order via PACs webshop at: pacgb.co.uk
Pikelines A4+ Binders

Holds 12 copies (not shown) Order Code: PB. 6.00
h. Roving Vest
Adult sizes: M,L,XL,XXL. Order Code: RV. 25.00. Sizing Guide: Child:5/6,7/8,9/11,12/13 Adult: Small (36chest) Medium (38-40chest) Large (42chest) Extra Large (44-46chest) Extra-Extra Large (48chest) (unless otherwise specified) Personalised embroidery: Name and other details can be detailed under the logo on all shirts and fleeces (see right). Per Item: First line: 1.50 extra Per next line: 50p extra
n. g. o.
m.
All clothing is supplied with the embroidered PAC logo as illustrated. Sizes are approx. and for guidance only. Products can be viewed and bought at the Annual Convention and from the PAC stand at shows.
38
pacnews.blogspot.com
Order online at the PAC shop via the homepage link at: pacgb.co.uk
39
E.T. Predator Tackle www.etpredatortackle.co.uk

See the full range on the website at
E.T. MULTIPLIER LURE SERIES RODS E.T. FISH CARE
E.T. STINGER 7' casting weight 14 - 42gm 79.99 Middle to tip action, two piece high modulus carbon lure rod. Lightweight trigger grip reel seat, aluminium oxide rings. The Stinger is designed for spoons, spinnerbaits, small to medium sized soft plastics and crankbaits. E.T. DARTER 6' 6" casting weight 21 - 84gm 79.99 Middle to tip action, two piece high modulus carbon lure rod. Lightweight trigger grip reel seat, aluminium oxide rings. The Darter is designed for medium sized jerkbaits, large sized soft plastics and crankbaits. E.T. GATOR 6' 6" casting weight 28 - 140gm 79.99 Middle to tip action, two piece high modulus carbon lure rod. Lightweight trigger grip reel seat, aluminium oxide rings. The Gator is designed specifically for jerkbaits and large soft plastics.
FEATUREARTICLE
E.T. CONTINENTAL CATFISH SLING 7' x 2' 4" Price: 49.99 Heavy duty catfish sling long enough to handle the largest continental catfish. Reinforced webbing weigh straps and handles at either end, help lift/drag fish from the water, when straps and handles are fitted over the scales hook, fish cannot slip out. Constructed from heavy duty PVC. E.T. UK CATFISH SLING 5'6" x 2'4" 30.99 Heavy duty catfish sling long enough to handle the largest UK catfish. Reinforced webbing weigh straps and handles. Constructed in heavy duty PVC. E.T. JUMBO PIKE WEIGH SLING Size 44" x 24" The original crescent shaped sling designed for big pike. 17.50
E.T. FIXED SPOOL SERIES RODS
E.T. JUMBO PIKE UNHOOKING MAT Size 49" x 23" x 1.5" 33.99 Extra long and thick unhooking mat. Heavy duty PVC cover, calming flap. Designed for 'big pike'. 37.99 E.T. UK CATFISH UNHOOKING MAT Size 55" x 23" x 1.5" Extra long and thick unhooking mat. Heavy duty PVC cover, calming flap. Designed for UK cats. E.T. FLIPPER 6' 6" casting weight 10 - 30gm 59.99 Fantastic high modulus fixed spool spin & jigging rod. Featuring new ergonomic reel seat, lightweight, extremely tough, braid friendly titanium rings and the new 'Cracked Ice' finish. Suitable for jigs, small/med plugs, spoons and spinners. E.T. THRILLER 8' casting weight 15 - 40gm 69.99 Fantastic high modulus fixed spool spin & jigging rod. Featuring new ergonomic reel seat, lightweight, extremely tough, braid friendly titanium rings and the new 'Cracked Ice' finish. Suitable for small/med plugs, spoons and spinners. 9' casting weight 20 - 60gm 74.99 E.T. TORMENTOR Fantastic high modulus fixed spool spinning rod. Featuring new ergonomic reel seat, lightweight, extremely tough, braid friendly titanium rings and the new 'Cracked Ice' finish. Suitable for med/large plugs, spoons and spinners. E.T. MAULER 9' casting weight 60 - 100gm 79.99 Fantastic high modulus fixed spool spinning rod. Featuring new ergonomic reel seat, lightweight, extremely tough, braid friendly titanium rings and the new 'Cracked Ice' finish. Suitable for large plugs, spoons & soft plastics. 17.99 E.T. PIKE TUBE Long tube constructed from 'air-flo' sacking material, zipped top access & draw cord ends. E.T. BAIT TUBE Mini keep net with draw cord top, constructed from 'air-flo' sacking material. 11.99
E.T. PIKE OILS

E.T. OILS 8.50 Return of the original range of flavours, plus 2 extra. Field tested with outstanding success, confirming these are still "the best by test" pike oils on the market. Freshwater eel, Kipper, Lamprey, Oily Sardine, Sandeel, Smelt. New flavours: Mackerel or Salmon. E.T. WINTER JUICE 9.50 Water soluble even in coldest water without the need for emulsifier. Perfect for cold water conditions experienced from January to March. Freshwater eel, Oily Sardine or Smelt. E.T. JUMBO SYRINGE 2.99
E.T. PIKE RODS
E.T. TRACEMAKING COMPONENTS

12 3.0 lb T/C 119.99 E.T. PITMASTER LR E.T. PITMASTER LR 12 3.5 lb T/C 119.99 E.T. BOATMAN 10 6 3.0 lb T/C 89.99 E.T. Pitmaster Long Range and E.T. Boatman - A new series of high performance pike rods produced in a powerful middle-to-tip action high modulus carbon with 'Cracked Ice' finish. All rods feature a lightweight reel seat, lightweight braid friendly titanium rings. E.T. 49 STRAND WIRE 35lb x10m 7.50, 50lb x 10m 7.50, 95lb x 10m 9.50 Traces made from 49 strand will out last those made from standard 7 strand as its so difficult to kink! Get more pick ups when deadbaiting withj this extremely limp 49 strand wire, perfect form wobbling and spinning traces too. Can be knotted or crimped. E.T. 7 STRAND WIRE 30lb x 20m Very good quality 7 strand pike wire "used by the experts". Can be twisted or crimped. E.T. CRIMPS All sizes 25pk 0.8mm (10-30lb), 1.0mm (30-50lb), 1.2mm (50-100lb) E.T. DOUBLE CRIMPS All sizes 50pk 0.8mm (10-30lb), 1.0mm (30-50lb), 1.3m (50-100lb) E.T. TWIDDLIN' STICK Neat tool used for the 'twist method' of making traces. E.T. ULTIMATE PITMASTER 99.99 The original version of this classic rod is prized by many of today's leading pike anglers. We have improved on the original by upgrading the blank to woven high modulus carbon and fitting "braid friendly" aluminium oxide rings otherwise it's the same sweet action as before! FREE E.T. Ultimate backbiter (worth 29.99) with every E.T. Ultimate Pitmaster purchased!!! E.T.' KING SHARP' TREBLES Sizes 4,6 & 8. 10pk Long point, shallow barb, 'King Sharp', black nickel finish. 4.99 1.50 2.99 2.99 4.99
E.T. TOOLS
E.T. CRIMPING PLIERS Use these precision crimping pliers for creating neat, strong joints. E.T. SIDE CUTTERS These stainless steel hook cutters will cut easily through thick gauge hooks. E.T. NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS Use these stainless steel pliers to remove large lure hooks. E.T. MULTI PLIERS 7.99 9.99 9.99 7.99
29.99 Totally reliable 'reed switch technology' "works whatever the weather", extremely loud sounder, drop back or drop off activates alarm, simple adjustable line clip suitable for braid or mono.
E.T. 'Ultimate' Backbiter
Buy your E.T. tackle from the following dealers:

BEDFORDSHIRE Leslies of Luton 89-93 Park Street, Luton CAMBRIDGESHIRE Sheltons 67 South Street, Peterborough DORSET Davis tackle 75 Bargates, Christchurch ESSEX K.D.Radcliffe 150 High Street, Colchester HERTFORDSHIRE Johnson Ross 2 Amwell Street, Hoddesdon KENT Anglers Base 309 Beckenham Road, Beckenham Friendly Fisherman 25 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells Danson Angling 159, Blendon Road, Bexley Tackle Box Watling Street, Dartford, Kent LANCASHIRE Ted Carter 85-88 Church Street, Preston Ossy Tackle Box Oak Street, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington 01582 453542 01733 565287 01202 485169 01206-572758 01992 462044 0208 676 8000 01892 528677 0208 2989090 01322 292400 01772 253476 01254 390431 LINCOLNSHIRE Tackle Shop Bridge Road, Gainsborough NORFOLK Anglers Corner 22-24 Windsor Road, Kings Lynn Angling Direct 277, Aylsham Road, Norwich SURREY Apollo Angling Unit 1, Bourne Valley Garden Centre, Addlestone Guildford Angling 93-94 Haydon Place, Guildford YORKSHIRE Beverley Angling Centre 8 Maple Drive, Beverley York Carp Centre 2 Oak Street, Poppleton Road, York SCOTLAND Craftye Fisherman 13 Montagu Terrace, Edinburgh NORTHERN IRELAND Tight Lines 198-200 Albertbridge Road, Belfast 01427 613002 01553 775852 01603 400757 01932 340000 01483 506333 01482 869948 01904 788856 0131 5511224 02890 457357
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Anglers World Specialist Tackle Balmoral Business Park, Naven, Co Meath 00353 46907 1866
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Article graphics /layout kindly supplied by Mark.
42
43
GREYS PRODIGY PIKE RODS

UNCONDITIONAL LIFETIME WARRANTY AGAINST BREAKAGE! NEW LOW PRICES... Prodigy Drifter 126, 314lb, 2pc.... Was 109.99. Now 84.99 Prodigy Deadbait 12, 3lb, 2pc....... Was 99.99. Now 74.99 Prodigy Jerkbait 6, 50-150g, 2pc.. Was 59.99. Now 44.99 Prodigy Jerkbait 66, 50-150g, 2pc. Was 59.99. Now 44.99 Prodigy Jerkbait 7, 30-100g, 2pc... Was 59.99. Now 44.99 Prodigy Spin 86, 20-60g, 2pc....... Was 79.99. Now 59.99 Prodigy Boat 106, 2pc................... Was 89.99. Now 69.99
EAGLE FISHFINDERS
NEW LOW PRICES - FREE POSTAGE WITH ALL EAGLE FISHFINDERS 110-37 Cuda 168............................................NOW ONLY 89.95 110-80 Cuda 168 Portable ..........................NOW ONLY 134.95 110-79 Cuda 242 .........................................NOW ONLY 109.95 110-87 Cuda 242 Portable ..........................NOW ONLY 149.95 110-69 FishEasy 245....................................NOW ONLY 139.95 110-681 FishEasy 245 Portable...................NOW ONLY 179.95 110-302 Trifinder 2 .......................................NOW ONLY 240.00
LOZ HARROP LURES

Probably the Best Handmade Jerkbaits on the Market!! Various Colours. Models as below: XL Darter .........................................................................16.99 Large, Middle, Small, Darter...........................................15.95 Titchy Darter ...................................................................14.00 Hedgehogs.....................................................................15.00 All Hogs...........................................................................15.00 Large, Small, Jackal .......................................................22.50 Baby Jackal ....................................................................18.00 Titchy Jim........................................................................13.50 Big Jim ............................................................................13.50 Bull...................................................................................14.50 Time Bomb .....................................................................15.00
POWER-PRO BRAID
Probably the best braid for lure fishing! 20lb, 30lb & 50lb Breaking strain 65lb Breaking strain 80lb Breaking strain 100lb Breaking strain
150yds 18.99 21.99 26.99 29.99 RRP 116.99 112.99 109.99 124.99 79.99 84.99 89.99 59.99 64.99 129.99
300yds 32.99 39.99 43.99 51.99 CASH 69.99 69.99 87.99 99.99 71.99 75.99 80.99 53.99 57.99 99.99
Ted Carter
85-88 Church Street Preston PR1 3BS Tel: 01772 253476 Fax: 01772 883011
E-mail: enquiries@tedcarter.co.uk
PIKE REELS
ABU Ambassadeur 6501 C3 LHW ABU Ambassadeur 5501 C3 ABU Ambassadeur 5601 C4 ABU Ambassadeur 6601 C4 Shimano Cardiff 201A L/H Shimano Cardiff 301A L/H Shimano Cardiff 401A L/H Shimano Corvalus 301 L/H Shimano Corvalus 401 L/H Now in Stock: Fox Stratos FS
OWNER STINGER TREBLES RUBBER LURES
NOW IN STOCK ST36 Sizes 8s -2s ...........................................................4.20 ST41 Sizes 6s - 1/0s.......................................................5.50
POSTAGE & PACKING

Reels 24hrs 5.50 Jiffy Bags from 1.50 Rods & Larger Parcels (24hrs) 7.99
FOX PREDATOR PRODUCTS

Fox Piker Deadbait 12ft 2.75lb 54.99 Fox Piker Heavy Deadbait 12ft 3.25lb 54.99 Fox Piker Multi Spin 9ft 6in 20-60 gms 42.99 Fox Piker Jerkbait 6ft 6in NOW ONLY Fox Trolling Boat Rod Rest Fox Micron P MkII Drop Off Alarm 29.99 Fox Micron PS MkII Drop Off Alarm 44.99 NEW FROM FOX Fox Micron PSR Remote Alarm 74.99 Fox Micron RX3 Digital Receiver 129.99 49.99 49.99 38.99 39.99 19.99 26.99 40.99 67.99 116.99
As reviewed in November 2005 Pikelines Big Curly Shads 9 inch (Firetiger, Mackerel, Perch, & Rainbow Trout)..................3.99 Little Curly Shads 6 inch (Firetiger, Mackerel, Perch, & Rainbow Trout)..................1.99 DAIWA SONIC TAIL LURES... WHY PAY BULLDAWG PRICES! Colours: Black, Gold Red Tail, Green Yellow Tail & Black Red Tail 25cm - 45g ...................................UNBELIEVABLE PRICE OF 2.99 35cm - 110g .................................UNBELIEVABLE PRICE OF 3.99
E.T. PREDATOR TACKLE

THE NORTH WESTS ONLY STOCKIST
PLEASE RING FOR DETAILS
TED CARTERS is now online Visit www.tedcarter.co.uk New products added daily!
44
45
10% Discount for all PAC Members

46 For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb 47
RegionTalk
NewsAndViewsFromYourLocalUKPACRegion
. . . Send your reports to Neville Fickling at: thetackleshop@btconnect.com . . PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The fog by this time had started to thicken, . RA93NorthLanarkshire . . . putting us in mind of a Stephen King novel, . . . . but after a while this started to break which . . put the geese to flight. The sun eventually . . broke through, revealing a beautiful blue Six Runs in Minus Six... . . sky and the snow-capped mountains. Nine of the thirteen members who . . attended this outing, rescheduled from . . Eddie Herd got the smallest of touches on Harelaw Fishery due to its closing, . . one of his rods, which again resulted in a met up at the Joker to travel to . . dropped bait, but in such marvellous Loch Venacher on Saint Andrews Day, . . surroundings, it didnt seem to matter. Sunday 30th November. . . By 2.00pm it was back to being a different . We had heard that it had been fishing well . story as the fog and freezing temperatures . . . came back with a vengeance dropping the . so off we went. A hard frost had fallen . . during the night and throughout our drive to . temperature so low that frost formed on the . . . . rods and ice in the rod rings. It didnt put . the Trossachs, we experienced banks of . . . fish off as the lads in car park 1 had some . freezing fog which stayed with us for most . . . five or six other runs, although not a fish . of the day. But not to be deterred, we . . . graced the banks this day! . arrived at the Fishing Lodge on the . . . . Lochside in search of a further four of our . . . A Christmas Tale. . members. We were informed by one of the . . . staff at the lodge that the banks were busy . Twas the fortnight before christmas and . . . with anglers who had stayed overnight and . everyone was feeling happy... why? . . . Because it was the club christmas bash . that space would be at a premium. . . . and presentation night In The Joker, . We moved further up to car park 1 where . . . that was the plan and in the company of . we were met by solitude as the place had . . . mysteriously emptied! Mind you, when one . none other than the big man himself; . . . Mark Barrett, General Secretary of the . of the lads had recorded the temperature . . . PAC, Angling Columnist and all round . at -6 degrees, it was maybe no wonder . . . gentleman. Mark gave of his time and . they had all left! . . wealth of experience, to give us a short talk . . . on the thing we all love... FISHING! . . . . But not only that, he came to present the . . various awards that were on offer to the . members. They had doggedly persevered . . . all year, in all manner of conditions and . . having travelled many miles, in pursuit of . old Esox the wily pike and whilst doing so . . had won the trophy for that outing. Indeed, . . . . a long list of awards and prizes were given . . We spread out between the lodge, the lay- . on the night, the recipients being: . . . Senior Angler of the year: Charlie (Chic) . by, car parks 1 and 2 and got down to the . . . Springett. Junior Angler of the year: . business of fishing. With it being so cold, . . . Samantha Johnstone. Heaviest Fish of the . it took a couple of hours for the first run to . . . year: Steve (Swampy) Smith: 25.08. Loch . develop, and that to the rod of Rab Tait, . . . Awe, January. The Twenties Club: Steve . who has quietly persevered for so many . . . outings in the hope of getting a fish. Sadly, . Smith for his Loch Awe 25.08. Charlie . . . Springett: 21.02. Loch Awe, January. . it was not to be as the fish dropped the bait . . . Davie McInally: 21.00. Loch Insh, Sept. . after the initial strike.
WhatsHappeningAtYourPACRegion?
Most Improved Angler: Eddie Herd. ROs Award and the Emerald Isle Trophies: Colin Mackie and Graeme (Taff) Stevenson. Inter-Region Fish-in: Dylan Johnstone. Outing Winners: Oct.07: Sandy Mackie, Loch Venacher. Nov.07: John Johnstone, Loch Tummell. Jan.08: Steve Smith, Loch Awe. Feb.08: Craig Devine, Loch Fad. March08: Charlie Springett, Loch Urr. May08: Nicky Burke, Loch Tummell. June08: Graeme Stevenson, Loch Ard. July08: Malcy Ward, Loch Ken. Sept.08: Davie McInally, Loch Insh. Members, friends and families galore came to see all this and more. Trophies, prizes, lucky dips and a buffet that would put pounds on your hips. New members joined too, both females the pair, and all that was missing were those who werent there!!
Mark Barrett was also presented with a small token of appreciation by the committee of RA93. On the membership front weve taken a bit of a hit this year with some not renewing, (for whatever reason) so a couple of months outing winners did not qualify for trophies. Its been a busy old year for the club and 2009 promises to be just as busy with another Irish trip and all the other home ground activities we have for the members already in the offing. We would like to take this opportunity to wish the PAC committee and all the regions and their respective members a happy and prosperous New Year and of course, tight lines! Malcy Ward.
of 33 anglers and a couple of juniors but despite the weather being dreadful we ploughed on regardless. This time around we had special guests, a camera crew from the Readers Digest were in the area making a DVD on the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal waterways and wanted to include some fishing. We agreed as this was an opportunity to raise both our club and the PACs profile. They came along and filmed some interviews with club members and a junior as well as coming out on the boat and getting some footage of Allan Stewart coming up trumps with the biggest fish. Club member Robbie Milne demonstrated some of the techniques and tackle we use for the camera. Again a big thanks to all the members that donated prizes for the raffle and to Rab and Ewen for organizing and overseeing the event. November started off with a red letter day for one of our newest members, Robbie Officer who landed a nice brace of twenties the biggest being 25+, a big well done to Robbie.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . December saw us struggle a bit with . . outings due to a lot of water being either . high or frozen, but as the year draws to an . . . end we turn our attention to preparing for . . our AGM in January and the presentation . night in February. Some results are still to . . . come in regarding trophies etc a more . detailed report will be included in the next . . . issue. I can confirm so far... . . CLUB CHAMPION: Micky Jones. . . RUNNER UP: Rab Hay. . . BIGGEST FISH (outings): Allan Stewart. . . BIGGEST FISH (non points outing): . . Micky Jones. FLY/LURE: Robbie Milne. . . . . On behalf of the club I would like to . . welcome our latest member aboard: . Graham Slater, We look forward to fishing . . . with you in the New Year. Finally, we the . committee would like to thank the members . . of RA74 for all the work and effort over the . . past year. The club is going from strength . . . to strength with the future looking bright . . and thats something we can all be proud . . of. Thanks guys an tight lines for 2009. . . . . Micky and Rab. . . . . . . RA48Lincoln . . . . . . . . It seems to have been very busy at the Mighty 48 but looking back it was only the St. Barnabas fish-in late in Nov. that was extra to our usual routine.
company and you are more than welcome back anytime. Mark was rewarded with his first Scottish twenty as well as a few doubles, with Olly getting a few to lures. Since the last episode we have had two speakers and a bring and buy sale. We had the one and only Mike Bowen in October and Ian I like to dress in ladies clothes Weatherall in December. Now most talks have a few pike and a few witty anecdotes but Mad Mick Bowen combines these standard elements with most of the characters from The Comedians and Who do you do. Never have we seen so
to manhandle past the bar and up the stairs. Mick then covered his surprise canoe under a very thin piece of cloth and left it at the front of the room away from prying eyes! Simply put, Mick puts on a fantastically entertaining talk that had us in stitches for most of the night. Many regions will not have had Mick down but I can highly recommend his talk or perhaps I should say stage show. November saw us sell out and stage a bring and buy sale, lots was brought, but not much was bought, but enough to make it worthwhile. It did give us a chance to talk a bit more than usual though which is always a bonus. December saw Ian Weatherall, a Mighty 48 regular try us out as guinea pigs with his first talk. Prior to him arriving he messaged me to say he had been to the toilet a dozen times and couldnt eat his tea. Arrrgh. Despite his high level of first night nerves, malnutrition and a belly full of bitter he gave us possibly THE talk of the season. I knew Ian had caught a few very good pike and zeds in his time but he had been keeping his cards very close to his chest, lots and lots of very good fish were revealed. But more importantly, and impressively was the sheer effort and hard work that he had put in to catch them. We had a mixed audience on the night and so several of Ians anecdotes were not used. He still delivered some crackers though. I think Ian actually enjoyed the night himself so may be open to a little arm twisting to do more talks.
RA74Inverness/Highlands
Hello again from the Highlands time for another installment from our most Northerly Region. The last few months have again been a busy time for us. October saw our club chairman Rab Hay improve on his PB for the 3rd time in 2008 with a superb 24+ So again, well done Rab (you are on fire this year). I must say a big thank you to Neil Baker who was on hand to take the picture. We also held our open competition this month and again had a great turnout
We also had a special guest at our November meeting, Mark Barrett managed the long trip north for a couple of days fishing and chance to meet and fish with some of our members. Mark was on a weeks holiday in Scotland with pal Oliver Newman so a big thank you guys for making the effort, we enjoyed your
. . many props used by one person including . . 19 foot of bright yellow canoe that we had
. . Our first ever fish-in took place in late . . November and we turned it into a charity . . fund raiser for the St. Barnabas Hospice. . The water had been gifted to us by Mick Cobb and his syndicate. I had managed to cobble together a few trophies and Chris Chadwick had donated a 50 voucher from a Mr Ficklings tackle emporium in Gainsborough, all was set for a great day on a very productive water. On the morning of the great day it turned colder than the coldest cold thing, the wind rose and then it snowed! Not looking great then. Despite the now adverse conditions we sent everyone out and waited. The snow . stopped, the winds dropped and the . sun came out, and we waited... . . Continues on page 50...
49
48
For more regional news visit: pacgb.co.uk/regions/regionnews.html
RegionTalk2
. . . . . NewsAndViewsFromYourLocalPACRegion . . PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009. . . . . . . RA48Lincoln . . . . . . . . Continued... The pike had turned fickle in the . cold and we had lots of dropped runs, runs . . . that couldnt be hit and follows. Amidst all . this there were actually 7 fish caught by 5 . . anglers, nothing big but very welcome fish . . . on the day. .
and two whole hams into the space where he had kept his 3 outsize bream deads in the freezer. Despite the fact we didnt all get to catch we had a very enjoyable day out on the water and of course, more importantly, we all raised money for the St. Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln. We raised a quite staggering 990.75 which was rounded up to 1000. My thanks go out to all that participated and to Mick Cobb for providing us with somewhere to fish, also to Chris Chadwick for his generosity. I promise that next years event will see more fish on the bank... honest. Chico and Andy.
RA40Selby
Hello All, Happy New Year and all the best for 2009 from all the members of the Selby Region. A big thanks to Jon Neafcy for giving up his time and coming over to the November meeting to entertain us all with his talk/ slideshow entitled Stepping Stones. Jons talk was very interesting and enjoyed by all. At Decembers meeting the region welcomed PAC stalwart Sir Peter Green. Peters talk/slideshow was as always first class and at the end of the night all the members commented on that they could listen to Peter all night.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
myself and Conrad I would like to say it has been an honour and privilege to serve our club and we have both enjoyed our time on the committee. Many thanks to the members and all those who have contributed to making our region the strong, enthusiastic, friendly, enjoyable and sociable club it is today. We wish the new RO and treasurer all the best and we will help out as much as we can in the future and of course GOOD LUCK! Details of the restructure will be in the next issue of Pikelines. We are continuing to attract new members and I would like to give them all a warm welcome. In particular father and son partnership Eric and Elliott Robinson. As you can see from the photographs Elliott is already giving his dad tips on how to catch the bigguns! (see junior section for Elliots pic, SO).
RA31SouthLancashire
. . . . . . . . Happy New Year! It is with pleasure that . . . I submit this the first region report of . . 2009, I will continue along the lines of . the continuous improvers article in the . . . previous issue. . . . . We have had some bad luck and some . . good luck on the recent club outings. . Martin Sailsbury managed a nice double of 15.04 on one outing. I managed a low double on another, whilst Keith Dutton managed his first Scottish pike on yet another outing, in fact he managed 5 including his first scottish double! Martin had been struggling to get out recently due to the birth of his baby daughter and it was great to see him out fishing and catching. Martin has also been busy preparing and presenting a slideshow for the region in January which was excellent, so he is not just continually improving on the bankside! It is great to see region members doing slideshows!
remember if he zeroed his electronic scales or not, if he did then the fish went a whopping 31.05. However, as he is not sure he went for the lowest possible weight (minus the weight of the sling which would make the fish 30:00). Other members have been doing well too, Ive added another 6 twenties to my tally this season and Mike Ashcroft (leader of the Chester Predators) tally of twentys continues to grow.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steve Ormrod did us a cracking talk on Northern Reservoir Piking at our December meeting so much so that we have re-booked him for our April 2010 presentation night as star guest! Our remaining meetings for this season are on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.00pm onwards in the upstairs function room of The Caledonian public house at Ashton-InMakerfield (next door to the Tesco garage). The rest of the line up is as follows: Feb: Paul Haughton Region 31 Member and all-round specimen hunter. March: Neville Fickling. April: Presentation night with James Holgate. As RO I am proud to see the region developing and prospering and am optimistic for 2009. Jon Neafcy. Wigan Piker!
RA17BlackpoolNews
Phil Gould, ex Cheshire Region RO, is now living back up in the Blackpool area and has suggested restarting the Blackpool/ Preston region. If there is anybody interested in either joining or becoming more involved in restarting this region, then please either contact Phil Gould himself on: 07721 436184, or contact Mark Johnson, NW Liaison Officer via email at: mark-cheshirepiker@fsmail.net
. . . . . . . . . . I would also like to thank John and Jack . Three were caught by a wandering Catfish . Dinnewell for all their hard work with . . . . advertising the Selby region for me. man Chris Roberts who took the biggest . . . . Thanks to John and Jack we have had a fish 12.08 and won the biggest fish trophy . . . good turn out of members to the meetings. . and his other two bagged him the highest . . . Also a big thanks to Erics Angling Centre . total weight trophy too. . . in Leeds for their support with raffle prizes . . . and letting us advertise the meetings in . the shop via posters. The region is still in . . its early stages and in time I am planning . . . to organise monthly outings for the . . members and hopefully some weekends . . away in pursuit of old Esox. . . . . Tight lines everyone, Mark Green. . . . . . . RA21/89Teesside . . . . . . . His clean sweep was only marred by Mick . . . Hunt catching an 11.15 that was closest to . Happy new year to one and all. I hope . . . the Mystery weight prize that won him the . Santa brought you all the new fishing . . . tackle you asked for, I know I did quite . 50 tackle voucher, very well done to the . . . . well so I must have been a good lad! both of them. Other captors on the day . . . . were Leigh Vickers, Aaron Hill and Mick . . . . Some changes to our region will have Cobb. I have to mention that Lindsey, . . . occurred by the time this goes to print as I . the long suffering fianc of Simon Blaydes . . had a stroke of luck when she managed to . will have stepped down as RO along with . . . . our treasurer Conrad Tebbs. On behalf of . fit the christmas turkey, 4 large gateauxs
50
Our trophy season ended in November and the results were as follows: Biggest fish overall: Shane Patterson: 21.04. Biggest river fish: Shane Patterson: 20.00. Biggest loch fish: Sam Benson 9.08. Biggest lake fish: Phil Dale: 17.00. Biggest on a club trip: Shane Patterson: 20.00. Biggest lure fish: Jim (tumble) Taylor 8.11. Biggest by a junior: Elliot Robinson: 10.00 (PB). Biggest canal fish: Shane Patterson 21.04. Mini pike/Under 1lb Plonker award: Shane for falling in and looking like a drowned rat! Trip points winner: Shane Patterson with 210 points. Pike angler of the year. Voted on at the AGM As you can see Mr Competitive did very well again! Watch out he may poach a swim near you soon! Our next two guest speakers dates of note are: Steve Rodwell: Tues. 3rd February. Graham Slater: Tues. 3rd March. All to be held at Coxhoe Workmans Club at 7.30pm. It just remains for me to wish everyone a PB for 2009 and who knows I may even get round to writing an article for Pikelines if I get any free time! Cheers, Craig Patterson.
I take my hat off to the capture of a first thirty for out Treasurer Ian (Banjo) Whitaker. Ian caught the beast (a new PB) beating his previous best by almost 7 pounds. The fish was caught from a hard Northern venue, on his very first trip (see Ian I told you it was a good venue mate!).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Region is currently talking to a local angling club regarding another teach in for juniors and begginers in October 2009. We are also talking to another local angling club regarding helping them manage pike fishing on one of their waters.
. . . . . . . . Best regards, Mark Johnson. . . . . Excellent news Phil and Mark, cheers, SO.
Once again the comaradarie in the region was evident as Ian was presented with an A4 Framed photo of him with the fish along with a bottle to toast the capture at our January meeting. The catch was witnessed by fellow Region 31 member Neil Stubbs, Ian now firmly has an entry for our regions biggest local fish trophy! Ian was so excited when he caught the fish that he cant
Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb 51
Chas White reports on yet another worthwhile event in the Roses saga that raised over 3000 for charity
Right: Lucky winners on the day receive their tackle prizes off Pete and Jane. Top: Barry Bland, Lower: Christian Carswell.
WarOfTheRoses2 TheFightForFlask!
It was still dark when Sir Peter Green on his black hearted charger Bessie led me, his faithful serf down the snow-laden streets of Sheffield towards the cold, black area at the head of Damflask Reservoir. I had been dragged protesting from my warm bed of straw in the cellar of Sir Peters castle, Green Towers, in Wakefield at 5.00am by a boot up the backside and a curse! Actually, what happened was that I had been invited by Sir Peter to spend a warm, comfortable night at his house where we had talked (and probably bored poor Lady Linda) about fishing till almost the small hours. However, the earlier sentences sound much more dramatic! Sir Peter had even cooked bacon sandwiches before we set off towards Damflask so he is definitely not the villain I make him out to be. Anyway, back to my tale! By, ecky thump serf, tis cold this morning, you can put light another half stub of candle to warm me up a bit more and stop standing in front of it. This was the greeting I had received, when I had dragged my protesting body down the cold steps of Green Towers. Hes nothing if not generous is Sir Peter, he even let me rub myself with warm horse faeces (posh aint I) to warm my old bones!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Now I really am getting carried away, nearly as bad as that rubbish that Kosh speaks from the crazy world of Royston Vasey, think Id better get back to my report on the event!
. . . . . . . . . . . . The world was wet and cold when we got . . . to the dam head at about 6.45am. . . Amazingly we were not the first to arrive, . . Mel, the Bailiff was already there waiting . . as were a couple of others. Sir Peter is . . very resourceful and had managed to . . obtain a huge banner to show people . . where he was which was promptly . . displayed over the rump of his charger . . (his car really but it sounds better . described thus). He had also managed to . . . gather an amazing pile of goodies as . prizes for the winners of the event and the . . . following raffle. . . . . Yorkshire Water had been extremely . . generous in letting us have the reservoir . . for no charge on the day with Mel and . . colleagues on-hand to give out advice. . . The first hour was very busy with lads . . turning up to either pay on the day or to . . report in and collect their catch returns. . . Loads of money raised in sponsorships . . was also handed over to us and many . . thanks must be given to not only the . . sponsors, but also the people who did . . manage to gather it. . . . . Special mention must be made of Billy . . Jordan and his grandson Christian . . Carswell (Darlington, Teesside & Durham . . region) who between them managed to . . gather a magnificent 306!
Billy is due to go into hospital shortly for a serious operation so I know all PAC members will wish him well! Many other large amounts of cash and cheques were also handed over at the start of the day. Much, but not all, gathered by PAC members and all of this money will be used to great effect by MacMillan Nurses to help people affected by Cancer. One Wakefield PAC member had not had the opportunity to gather any sponsors so he handed over 200 of his own cash to the fund, that is total generosity and shows how well regarded the work of MacMillans is! Talking of their work sometimes brings tears to the eyes of even the hardest anglers when they relate stories of their or relatives experiences with Cancer so we know how much it means. The cold wind and rain did not affect the warm regard in which Sir Peter is held by members and many handshakes were given. We managed to nearly keep everything dry and anglers set off in all directions to their chosen swims. By this time, tales were starting to be told of black ice on the high routes to the reservoir, cars spinning at bends etc. but all managed to arrive safely if not a little shocked. Even the afore mentioned Kosh arrived with his posse of troops. It seemed that Mel was the second person that everyone wanted to talk to and gather advice on where was fishing well. The next time any of you meet Kosh, ask him about being told to go to a particular swim and him walking right past it! Much to everyone elses amusement, I think that swim was
where the winning weight came from too, caught by someone else, Doh! Never mind Kosh, you gave us all a laugh. He even failed to catch so dont follow him in future! Over 50 anglers had reported in by the time we decided to walk the banks to see how people were getting on. They had arrived as far away as Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Durham to answer the call and thanks must be given to each and every one of them! Sir Peter and Brian Birdsall (Yorkshire LO) walked the west bank, Mark Green and I walked the other. Great tales of experiences were exchanged and I was amazed how many people were regulars at this venue. For those of you who have never been it is very picturesque, set in a wooded valley on the outskirts of Sheffield. It has produced some great fish over the years but unfortunately on this day, they failed to make any appearance, although a couple of anglers did report pulling out of big fish (or were these just fishermans tales?). A couple of decent doubles were banked so at least some catches were filtering through. Peter had arranged a venue for an after-event get together at the Wisewood pub and we received a warm welcome from Rachel, the Landlady. The Sheffield area manager for MacMillan Nurses, Jane Furness arrived to receive the donation and hand over the prizes. The winner of the biggest fish award was Stuart Mackenzie with a fish of 16.08 with a total catch of 29.00 (3 fish). The winner of the award for the biggest weight of fish was Barrie Bland with a total weight of 29.06 (2 doubles). Incidentally, Peter had been talking to Barrie and he had asked to join PAC. Peter had sorted out his membership there and then and with a handshake welcoming him into PAC his dropoff literally dropped off and he landed a fish of 14.06! As Peter then pointed out, that is the benefit of being a PAC member! Peter also joined up a few others on the day but unfortunately for them his magic failed to work! The most important issue on the day and the whole focus was to raise money for MacMillan Nurses. Trying to count wads of money on the bank of a cold and windy reservoir however is not the easiest of tasks! After all of the excitement of the day and the receipts of the end of event raffle, I had reached a figure of 2801 which was duly handed over to a very grateful Jane. She gave a short speech after receiving the bag of money and cheques but was not able to do a final count.
Right: Barry with one of his winning doubles at 14.08.
I have heard that when the money was counted in a nice warm office the final total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
was actually 2701 (my fingers must have slipped on the calculator). This is a magnificent effort from everyone and I believe that there is a further possible 300 in sponsorship to come in which when received will obviously raise the final amount to over 3000. Well done to all involved! On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank Peter for all of his efforts. Mark and Brian also deserve praise for their support to him. I know that several companies gave prizes to Peter for the day (Erics Angling, Leeds), Chris Leibbrandt (Salmo Lures), Eddie Turner, Mel Rowbotton and Yorkshire Water, Rachel at the Wisewood Inn, The Bait Kitchen, Eagle Claw, Dave Evans, Bag-up-Angling and Sovereign Superbaits. I also personally want to thank Sir Peter and Lady Linda (who shops magnificently for his Lordship) for the wonderful hospitality. Even their dog accepted me in the end although I never got to meet the parrot! We would like to thank Jane Furness from MacMillan Nurses for turning up on a cold day to show support for the event and hand out the prizes. The result of this event shows that pike anglers care about others as well as the fish. For 50 plus people to turn out on a cold November day to raise a huge pile of money for other people less fortunate than themselves speaks volumes and must be applauded. I know that a lot of banter was
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
shared on the day and probably to catch a fish was a bonus. Thank you to each and every one of you. Finally, Sir Peter and I have already discussed next years event! He who shall be obeyed has decreed that peace will prevail between the 2 Roses (even though Yorkshire won of course, dont they always). He has said however that he will throw down the gauntlet to all the southern softies to get them to come up to the frozen north and support this magnificent effort! Come on then, how about a north versus south event? Are you hard enough? Can you southerners catch our hard to find northern pike? Watch this space for further details! Chas White. Useless accountant, serf and general dogsbody with frozen pinkies! Just a few extra words to add to Chass piece in that I would like to thank him personally for all his effort in helping with this event. Brian and Mark were brilliant with their help on the day but Chas did more than I could expect from him. He did all the catch returns and most of the tickets as well as organising the MacMillan side of it. This all helped to make the day run like clock work, I know he does not like praises put on him so I thought I would. And finally a big thank you to all who took up the gauntlet, fished the match and raised so much money for the Macmillan nurses. Pete Green.
53
52
Talking T actics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temperatures prior to our trip were a little . . higher than normal therefore we were . . concerned about the thickness of the ice . . on the river as it needs to be at least . sixteen inches thick to be safe to drive on. . . . . . On arrival at Winnipeg our fears proved . unfounded as the temperature had dropped . . . to 20C and below and the ice thickness . was now between two and three feet thick! . . . Perfect!!
ASeriesThatGivesMembers TheKnowledgeToSucceed DianaAndSteveCrook CoverTheirIceHolePiking
IceHolePikingAtRedRiver
Esox action at the Wavey Tavern. January 17th saw Diana and I return to Manitoba Canada for another two weeks ice-fishing in pursuit of the pike, fishing the frozen Red River and Wavey Creek one of the many creeks that feed this superb river.
Comfort and warmth this year.
We picked up the 4x4 (Toyota Rav4) essential for ice-road driving and headed off for Lockport where we were staying for the duration and is also base for our special friend and Canadian fishing guide Carl Loutit. Carl informed us that this year he had placed an ice-shack (Canadian Bivouac) on Wavey creek and also he had installed large windows so this year we could sit in comfort and warmth while we waited for action. This was unlike our previous trip when the truck was our only protection from the freezing conditions.
Above: Diana with a good pike caught when the temp. was -35C.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wavey Creek is about a forty minute drive . . from Lockport including a short drive on the . . ice to reach the shack. The boat launches . . . that are used for summer fishing become . . extremely handy ramps for trucks to gain
access onto the ice in winter, some of them becoming official routes onto the ice. Wavey Creek is as wide as the Thames so it was a nerve-racking drive to reach the shack which was located in a large bay about a mile from where we entered the creek. Carl and our other Canadian friends Scotty, George, Boone, Blinky and Cowboy had made the Shack very environmentally friendly as they had planted old Christmas trees around the shack. A good example of Canadian re-cycling! Carl and the boys named the shack the Wavey Tavern a name inherited from the Canadian fondness for drinking beer! Although during our stay a name plate appeared that being Little Britain no doubt trying to make Diana and I feel at home.
WeDontUseRodsInTheseConditions AsTheWaterFreezesVeryQuickly AfterDrillingSoWeUseATip-Up

Although we were fishing from the comforts of the shack three layers of clothing and boots rated to 50 degrees C are essential as when you do get a run you still have to face the severe temperatures to play your fish. When you first arrive for a session its like walking into a freezer but once we fired up the propane heater it became very warm, very quickly. We cooked our meals on a Coleman cooker and any un-cooked food could be left as the temperature in the shack overnight is colder than a freezer!
Left: The Tip-up is set as the water begins to freeze up instantly.
Specialist fishing gear.

Ten inch holes were drilled with a jiffy ice auger, several were drilled over a wide area covering as much of the bay as possible. The fun with this type of fishing is you dont have to move swims you just drill another hole. After drilling the hole all the loose ice has to be removed from the hole and then you can set your lines. We do not use rods in these conditions as the water freezes very quickly after drilling so we use a Tip-Up. Its a North American version of a handline, but with many modifications.
Below: Steve gets to work drilling ice holes with the Auger.
Below: A Tip-up complete with bite alarm & flag.
Diana & Carl at the Wavey Creek Tavern. The Thin Ice sign was just for show as it was 21/2 thick.
54
55
A spool of line is attached to a spindle which rotates in a piece of tubing which is packed with grease to prevent freezing whilst in the water. At the top of the spindle there is a T piece which allows a flag attached to a spring to be placed under the T. When a fish takes, the flag shoots up indicating a run. The base of the tip-up can be straight or round as long as it spans the ice hole. We had many runs each day and landed plenty of pike but you also experience many pike coming off at the hole.
Steve shows off another pristine, unmarked fish.
Conservation comes first.

Remember, you are trying to bring a fish up through what is really a three foot tube and if you cannot turn the fish quickly enough it will pull the hooks free (barbless hooks are mandatory in Canada). When the pike are landed it is essential to unhook, photograph and return the fish very quickly, otherwise the fish will freeze. We do not weigh our fish as this takes too long and the fish would freeze to the sling. The weight does not matter to us as they are all superb looking fish and its brilliant catching them in the ice where nobody else has fished. Its more about the enjoyment and challenge!
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
We believe we could not experience any fishing more interesting than ice fishing, a big thanks to all of you. If anyone is interested in trying this unique branch of our sport we will be only too pleased to advise and put you in the right direction.
Experience equals enjoyment.
It IsEssential To Unhook, Photograph And Return The Fish Very Quickly

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our friend in Canada Carl Loutit is a professional guide for both summer and winter fishing and has unequalled experience and knowledge to guide you in both seasons.
This was our third ice-fishing trip to Canada, it keeps getting better each trip. We cannot wait for next winter to arrive! Before we close this article we would like mention our friends in Canada, Carl, Scotty, George, Boone, Blinky and Cowboy, these boys really know the ice and make every trip a fantastic experience and a lot of fun. We have learned so much from them.
Main pic: A lovely Northern almost climbs out of the hole herself!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manufacturers/Members:AnythingNewToReview?
Please contact Steve Ormrod at: predhunter.o@virgin.net
RealReviews
TriedAndTestedItemsOfInterestToThePikeAngler
We can be contacted via email at: crook@pikehunters.freeserve.co.uk If you live in the Surrey area visit the Tackle Exchange in Walton on Thames where Diana works, she will be only too pleased to talk you. If you fancy something different then give it a go...
The net is fitted to a slightly oval shaped frame measuring 75 x 70cm (30x 28) and has a decent depth of 60cm (24). The net itself has a knotless hexagonal mesh which is 20mm across and is dark green in colour. The rubberised finish really does resist hook penetration and seems to be very fish-friendly as well. It doesnt remove all the pikes protective slime and doesnt damage fins either. The net has a strong aluminium handle, 85cm (33) in length, which slides through the top of the oval frame for easy trans- portation and has a comfortable black rubber hand grip. This net fulfils all my requirements extremely well.
AFWBleedingLeaderWire ... SproBigFishLandingNet

This wire, available from Eddie Turner, is a stainless steel, seven-strand wire with a blood-red nylon coating. Ive been using this wire for up-traces and I have to say it is perfect for the job.
You might just like it!

Diana and Steve Crook.
The wire, with the nylon coating, is thicker than normal, but very soft and nice to handle. The extra thickness is something I look for in an up-trace as it helps with both abrasion resistance and tangle prevention. It also gives you something comfortable to grab hold of when about to hand land a jack; something Ive been doing an awful lot of recently! The extra thickness is again beneficial when using an up-trace with a paternostered livebait. A few years back I used to use a tube covered wire for this job, but the Bleeding Leader Wire, in my opinion, is even better.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For some years now Ive been landing all my lure-caught pike by hand, largely in order to avoid the horrific tangles which frequently result when ordinary micro-mesh landing nets are used.
. . . . . . . . . .
So far it has helped the Leathwood team to land lure-caught pike up to 22.12 in weight (nice one Joe!) and I can honestly say I have no complaints at all.
However, there are some swims where hand landing is awkward because it is difficult to get right to the waters edge and, rather than skip past these places, I have thought for some time that I really should invest in a decent landing net in order to be able to give them a try. I wanted a net which was light enough to carry around without it becoming a nuisance, but still be large enough to accommodate a 20+ pike, should I be lucky enough to encounter one. Also, I wanted something with a fairly large mesh, and of a type which would resist penetration by treble hooks. Needless to say, the tackle shops in my area dont sell anything remotely l ike this and searching on the internet had failed to identify anything suitable at a price I was able to afford... until I worked my way through the advertisers in Pikelines and found the Spro Big Fish rubber coated landing net being advertised by Baxter Angling. I had never heard of Spro, or Sports Professionals, to give the company its full title, and must admit I was a little wary of buying a product which wasnt from one of the trusted manufacturers I was familiar with. However, the specifications looked good, and I certainly couldnt argue with the 27.50 price tag, which included post and packing. I took the plunge and placed my order. I was very impressed with both the speedy and friendly service from Baxter Angling and by the Spro Big Fish net itself, which arrived two days later.
Above: Back she goes. Note the spool on the stainless steel tubing, its packed with grease to ensure free-rotation.
This wire can be twisted in the normal way if you burn off a part of the outer coating with a lighter first. However, it crimps very well indeed, without the need to remove the outer coating, and it is this method that I now prefer as it is just so quick, neat and easy. Bleeding Leader Wire is available in 30 and 45lb BS spools, priced at a very reasonable 4.95 for a 30ft spool. Part of a growing range of tackle available online from Eddie Turner at: eddieturner.co.uk
Mark Ackerley
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Although I have only used it for bank fishing it would be eminently suitable for boat use as well, with either lures or baits. Sam Baxter tells me that Spro are a Dutch tackle firm, with a significant stake in the American lure fishing market. I subsequently ordered a couple of Spro lures from Sam and was similarly impressed by their very high quality and moderate price. Spros website is well worth a look for you lure fishing enthusiasts too. Find their extensive online catalogue at: spro.nl/UK As well as other products by Spro the site features some very tasty lures and accessories at prices which are extremely competitive. Baxter Angling is a regular advertiser in Pikelines and so deserves our support. Visit their website at: baxterangling.com
Mark Leathwood
57
RealReviews2 Manufacturers/Members:AnythingNewToReview?
Please contact Steve Ormrod at: predhunter.o@virgin.net
TriedAndTestedItemsOfInterestToThePikeAngler
their praises online. Realising that however good they were, there would always be a sizeable group of pikers who prefer the front alarm/drop-off combination, Steve also now markets drop-offs.
ZootaLuresMini-Wagtail
As some may have noticed from recent reviews Im a fan of lures that are homemade with attention to detail (and dare I say love?) as opposed to mass produced, off-the-shelf lures. I think its fair to say that Alex Prouses Zoota lures fit the bill where attention to detail is concerned but dont let homemade fool you into thinking Alexs lures arent professionally made. These rubber lures look as good as anything on the market... and they catch fish too!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
collection of lures, many of which will hardly ever be used (are you paying attention Mr Hill, LOL!). I want lures that are easy to use and catch fish, the wagtail ticks both boxes. Simply cast them out, count down to the required depth, wind them back and hold on tight. Theyve caught fish for me from the Broads and Fen rivers and drains as well as a reservoir and pits and I have no hesitation in recommending them. Advert on page 22, or look up Alexs site at: zoota.co.uk
Mike Hastings
TackleShopTitaniumWire
Titanium trace wire has been available for a while now, but in my view it has yet to receive the following that it deserves, perhaps due to the difficulty many people have when handling it. It is, however, well worth the effort, because a titanium trace, when constructed properly, is simply indestructible, they will not kink, ever! The Tackle Shop sell titanium trace wire in two breaking strains; 30lb and 60lb. I have used both types, but it is the 60lb variant I have settled on, and I reckon this is quite simply the ultimate trace wire. It is a seven-strand wire, and if I had one criticism, it is that at times the wire is prone to the strands unravelling after it is cut. A couple of things here; the 60lb wire seems better in this regard, and also I have noticed that one end of the wire spool is more prone to separating than the other, so I obviously cut from that end. I should add that when a trace has been constructed the wire does not come apart, it is only when you have a cut end of wire that this can be a problem.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Choice of crimp is important; I use Fox 40lb Carboflex crimps, and these are a nice tight fit when passing the 60lb wire through three times. You will also need a dedicated crimping tool. I use the Fox Multi tool the smaller slot on these is exactly right for the 40lb crimps. As mentioned, they will last forever and the hooks will need replacing first, with this in mind I have been looking at ways of being able to change the hooks without binning the trace. What I do is to attach the hooks to a loop in the wire via a small split ring (see pic). The photo shows this being done with a small 65lb BS oval split ring, which I buy from Fishingpool.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . My advice; buy some if this is your . . preferred form of bite indication. Theres . nothing out there that comes close to them . . . in terms of quality, it really is that simple. . From front to back, the line is clipped up by . . an adjustable steel ball clip that wont trap . . . the braid most anglers now use, so it will . . show a drop-back if a fish comes towards . you. The head can be unscrewed to insert . . . a Starlite or isotope for fishing after dark . and it pivots on the end of the arm making . . . it easy to set correctly; hanging down just . beneath the spool. Even if your rod tips are . . . angled down on steep banks or to beat the wind.
The arm is around a foot long and made of steel tubing. A 2oz weight slides along the arm, which means the tension and sensitivity can be adjusted when, for example, fishing a flowing river, a wind-swept stillwater, or even when a still drain starts being pumped. At the rear theres a hinged downrigger which attaches to a bankstick, or even a pod if youre that way inclined.
PikemasterTracesPart2
In the last Pikelines I bench-tested and reviewed Alan Dudhills top quality traces and snaptackles. Since then I have had chance to get out on the bank to see how they perform in the manner they were designed to.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Im very pleased to say that the traces and . . . tackles have more than exceeded my . . expectations with several fish caught on . . them including a very big twenty. . . As I mentioned in the last review all the . materials and construction values are first . . . class and at the prices Alan sells them at . you probably wont need to make another . . . trace again! . . . . . .
as far to say if you cant buy it online at: piketrace.co.uk then your trace needs really are different! Of course, if this is the case, Alan will very gladly make a sample up for you to your own specifications. PAC members buying off Alan will also enjoy a hefty discount too. Job done! Alan can be contacted on: 07815308463 Email: adudhill@btinternet.com
SteveOrmrod
LucebaitsPikeGroundbait
As a lot of you probably know, I am a great fan of groundbaiting for pike and have written several articles about it in the past. Nev often pulls my leg about it, but hes now brought out his own Lucebaits brand. The product comes ready to use in 1Kilo frozen, vaccum-packed bags, enough for a short session to bait up a couple of rods. The mix itself consists of well mashed-up fish pieces (wont fill your quarry) combined with Nevs secret crumb mix that binds very well. The bait is very easy to handle and I would recommend leaving it to thaw out overnight before a session. Reason being its far easier to form into air-free balls and wont float off when thrown in!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ive owned a mini wagtail for a couple of . . years now and it has become one of my . go to lures in many situations. The version . . . I like is unweighted, making it ideal for . . fishing slowly over weed in the shallow . . rivers of the east; its caught fish on the . deeper venues too! The Wagtail is a curly- . . . tailed lure in the tradition of the Bulldawg . . with a familiar rippling action but with a . . slight side-to-side wobble too. . . . What sets this apart is the material which is . . . much tougher and pike resistant than the . . dawg and also the very clever hook . arrangement. This latter feature pulls clear . . . of the lures body which leads to excellent . hook ups. As I said being unweighted it is possible to fish the Wagtail in situations where it would be impossible to fish regular dawgs or even springdawgs.
They come in a range of ten finishes too and, dare I say it, these are another improvement on the original dawg and all the recent cheap copies. If this choice isnt enough for you then Alex is able to produce custom colours on request too. I have no interest in building up a vast
58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When making a trace with titanium wire, . the first thing you will discover is that it can . . . not be twisted. Also, it is not particularly . . easy to crimp, but never fear, there is an . answer. And no, it doesnt need two crimps . . . Nev! The answer is to pass the wire back . . through the crimp a third time, (see pic). .
No problems as yet with this method, though it needs a longer period of evaluation before I will be totally happy with it. Titanium trace wire is expensive, but when you consider that a finished trace could last years, then it actually works out quite a bargain! Tackle Shop titanium trace wire is priced at 9.99 for 30lb and 12.99 for 60lb respectively for a 3m length. See the Tackle Shop advert on page 46.
Mark Ackerley
BillysBackbitersDrop-Off
Id never had the pleasure of meeting Steve Bown; aka Billy Two Fish, until last years PAC Convention. But while we live and fish very different waters, on opposite sides of the country, it turns out we shared a few thoughts when it comes to drop-off indicators. After trying several shop-bought drop-offs, which were too light and had plastic clips which trapped the line, I graduated to making my own a few seasons back, featuring heavy, weighted heads and adjustable Solar steel ball clips. Steve went down a similar make-your-own route with the acclaimed Billys Backbiter rear alarm, which he now markets commercially to a growing fan base, with the likes of John Watto Watson and Dave Horton singing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In use I found them simple to get set right . every cast (tip of the day: stick a bit of tape . . . around the rod handle to make sure you . get the banksticks the right distance apart . . . when you change swims). If youre still . . persevering with either an unweighted . . shop-bought with plastic vee clip, or your . own home-made concoction, do yourself a . . . favour and go online to order some of . . Steves for just 12.00 + 3.99 P&P. . . . . Steve has also got a website with stacks . . more information about different alarms . . and bite indication. Check it out online at: . . billysbackbiters.blogspot.com . . . . Chris Bishop
. . . . . . . . I have mainly been using the fixed style . . snaptackles with size 4 and 6 trebles . (crushed barbs) on black 33lb coated wire. . . . Even after catching 3 jacks one morning . the traces stood up to the mangle test and . . . remained useable with no bad kinking or . loss of the coating, quite remarkable! One upper double did give a trace a run for its money after a good fight which saw a lot of headshaking, still, minimal damage was made to the trace and out it went again. To be honest I am not a great fan of trebles, nothing mysterious, its just that I have always used specialist doubles or singles for my piking and have no reason to change. Therefore, it has probably been a good plan for me to try these traces out, I had no problems with these snaptackles.
Alan is constantly updating his website and styles/variations of traces/snaptackles are increasing all the time. In fact, I would go
On the bank it balls-up (Nevs words) very nicely with slightly wetted hands and you can then throw them a decent distance. If you find you still have some left after a session, dont waste it, just squeeze the air out of the bag, seal up and re-freeze. Onto effectiveness; I can recommend you always have a bag in your freezer as it has helped me catch a fair few decent fish to 25.00 so far. I have tried it on stillwaters and running water venues with success on each. Price per 1K bag is just 0.75p + P&P at cost; very good VFM. Available from Neville at The Tackle Shop: 01427613002 thetackle-shop.co.uk
SteveOrmrod
Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb 59
Menteith,Brenig08Event Reports
A venue record on the Lake of dreams and a cold 2 days in North Wales.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MenteithNov.1st 2008.
So as usual with such events, a full jetty of expectant anglers, hustled and bustled about, loading boats, shooting the breeze and looking forward to a wonderful day on the lake of dreams. What was unusual was the fact that the day dawned mild and still, in fact the lake was like glass as the first hardy souls set afloat.
LlynBrenigNov.2nd-3rd2008.
Well, something of a contrast weather-wise from 2007 when we had sun drenched skies and active pike with a lot of action (follows in my case). I decided to go across country through mid Wales this year and whilst Brum was relatively mild on departure on Sunday that soon changed as we approached the Snowdonia range with snow abounding. Having had a look at a couple of other venues myself and boat partner Phil Cooper reached Llyn Brenig to find that some melting snow still remained on the ground. Hmmm we thought! Day one started dull, cold and the pike were not in active mode. Phil and myself stayed away from the usual areas to explore which proved fruitless and our boat blanked. At the end of the day a number of mid to upper doubles had been caught, with one reported whacker lost, but fish numbers were down. At least we had a good night in the pub with the Norwich lads plus Messrs. Steve I had two doubles Ormrod and Chris ladies man Parry! Day two with a hearty breakfast inside us we were keen again. Whilst we had fished day one on lures a change to deadbaits on day two was of course tactical and nothing to do with the beer from the previous night. Again staying away from the crowds I took Phil to a spot I had caught on the previous year and where Mad Mick from Redditch had shown me how to hook and lose big pike (no it wasnt a 30 for a change). Four rods out and a brew underway and my near bait was away at pace. A real good fight ensued and I told Phil to be careful as he would be netting a twenty. At 13.08 it just shows I dont catch much these days! A great start but that was it for us for the day, other boats were struggling but just to show events can turn two low twenties with the best to PAC member Neil Airey were caught. On a disappointing note we did see evidence of anglers attending with inadequate gear, eg. no traces. I recall discussing this with a number of anglers in the car park afterwards and said the PAC would be taking this up with the Llyn Brenig management, which, to my astonishment one angler (I dont know his name or if he was a PAC member) told me I was wasting my time as such gear is standard up this way. Well me old son the day I turn a blind eye to such matters is the day I hang the
rods up. What of Llyn Brenig as a venue, well weather and temperature did not assist this year but I still feel it has yet to show its full potential. I understand it will open to bank fishing in Feb 2009 and it will be interesting to see what that produces. Its a nice venue, it will never be a Menteith or Chew in my opinion. Will it do upper twenties or thirties, well I think it may but not in large numbers as the Pike population appears relatively small. Would I go back...Yes!
Below: history is made: Stuart McNairn and his venue record 21lb rainbow. Lower: Back she goes safely.
. . . . . . . . . . This included fish being photographed too . . . long and one boat fishing with small . spinners... obviously for the trout, (6 min. . . lure ruling) of which I duly reported to the . . management. This just proves we still have . . . work to do even in this day and age. SO.
John Cahill. Editors comment: being on the same event I also witnessed bad behaviour on behalf of several non-PAC booked boats.
Above: one of the few twenties caught. Right: JC with his wishful thinking 13.08.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unfortunately, this decent spell of weather didnt spur the big girls into feeding, and soon reports drifted back of an awful lot of jacks snapping at the assortment of woods and plastics being thrown around the lake. One boat that did get amongst the bigger fish was the disability boat, with a nice low twenty, and rumours circulated of at least one other. What was a shock though was a lake record rainbow of 21lb, which would have brightened any anglers day. At the end of the day as the boats drew in to shore, it became obvious that it was a day for action rather than quality, with few anglers drawing a blank and many having multiple catches. The final figures were 334 fish caught, of which 299 were under ten pounds in weight. Good fun and once again the lake had made this day one to remember. Mark Barrett.
60
61
JohnSidley
FEATUREARTICLE
River Piking by
way to fish them and you need to be as mobile as possible to be successful. He also states that you will also get nothing unless you work hard at it. Nobody could argue with this and in fact this philosophy is just as true when fishing all waters whether they are fast moving rivers or lakes. His dedication to the cause was rewarded by multiple captures of double-figure pike that would be unheard of today on the zander-ridden Severn and this must be attributed to his mobile and intensive fishing approach. His stated river tally of six hundred doubles and fifty four twenties is in fact quite remarkable. All during a ten year period and he was a lucky man to have fishing like that available to him. Although a member of the PAC he recognised that it was due to organisations like this that pike fishing was becoming more popular, and he himself was crowded out of some stillwaters that he fished. This may not have been a bad thing for him as he ventured upon Tewkesbury Weir and the rest is history. Despite this, he never shirked from advertising both his captures or where he caught them so this feeling of being pushed out may have been a self-fulfilling prophecy whereby he was a victim of his own success. It could be said that he contributed to his situation and had no one else to blame. He is quick to highlight one factor that does separate river pike from their stillwater relatives and that is their fighting ability and he makes an eerie observation that you should think twice about taking up combat with river pike if you have a heart condition as they will make the ticker miss a beat. Unfortunately for John this was not far from the truth! Now to a section of the book that does interest me and that is pike location I decided to read it a few times to take it all in. Initially I thought it would have been better titled Location of River Pike at Tewkesbury Weir as this theme does seem to repeat itself throughout the book, but to be fair to him, thats where most of his fish were caught. I am sure his theories would transpose from one water to another. He even mentions Routes which are a particular favourite of mine and his preference to natural underwater refuges such as sunken trees as opposed to backwaters and slacks is interesting. His belief that pike are just at home in the main stream of a heavy flowing river (albeit at varying depths) flies in the face of what I see happening on rivers that I fish today where slacks are hammered and the main river remains untouched. Something for everyone to think of there! He finishes the chapter with the best advise that can be given to any prospective river pike angler and that is to concentrate in mid winter on the match stretches or areas where shoal fish gather en-mass.
On stillwaters this is not generally the case but rivers are different to stillwaters in more ways than one and reverse thinking is sometimes needed to be successful. The next part of this book which had such a promising start now plummets downhill with a vast portion of the middle section devoted to tackle. Now we all know we need tackle to fish but there gets to be a point where the author must give the reader the benefit to know the best tackle for the job in hand. With tackle changing all the time, any section on this subject quickly becomes dated and irrelevant to the reader in later years. A quaint sense of nostalgia is evoked whilst reading through this section but its value is only historical which is a shame. One piece of advise I particularly find astonishing is that he recommends 11 pound Sylcast as his chosen line. I personally wouldnt use any line with a breaking strain of less than 20 lbs and it surprised me that he would use such a weak line considering both the areas where he expected to catch his fish and their tenacious behaviour when hooked! 11 pound mono (albeit a good make and the in line of the times) would appear to be greatly under strength. Next, we visit his comments on rigs which were at best simplistic, I have no problem with this but a page describing how to put a float and beads on a line after (would you believe) explaining that this must be done after running the main line through the rod eyes borders on nonsense. Some of the rigs that are well detailed by Dave Lumb could be viewed as being progressive for the times if you werent there and fishing yourself. I was and there was nothing new for anyone other than a real novice to gain from this section. Even the up-trace had been used for many years prior to his revelation in this book. I was pleased that at no stage did he admit to inventing the set up, very pleased indeed. One method of fishing worth noting is Johns way of dealing with shy feeding pike by trying to pull the bait from its mouth giving the impression of a struggling fish. I dont agree with the reasons he gives for why a pike would hang on to the bait but in practice this does happen and it works. The final section that interested me was the one titled Feeding Times, Weather and Water Conditions. He starts by making an astute observation on feeding stating that he believes in feeding periods which can be as long as a week and a relationship between surface showing silver fish and the pikes feeding times. Something I agree with although not exactly as he describes. He also notes that if a swim fishes well in the morning the feeding spell will tail off
The most enjoyable part of doing these post publication reviews is that it gives me the chance to sit down and read books that I either havent read before or havent read for a long time.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . In this edition of Pikelines I have decided . . to enter the lions den and review a book . . from a person who provokes many . . different emotions from both people who . . have met him and those who havent. . I crossed swords with John many years ago . . . concerning an article he wrote on an eel . hospital and met him once whilst fishing at . . . Llangorse Lake. His tackle was at best . basic (which impressed me as my tackle is . . . slightly more prehistoric) but he did have . . wonderful baits and any man who had a . . bucket full of silver fish was going to . . catch pike, and that he did in abundance. . I don't know what his pike caught to hours . . .
spent on the bank side ratio was? I suspect it might have been low, but this was a piker from the old school whose dedication to what he loved was obsessive. This alone puts him in the top drawer of pike anglers of the twentieth century. The book title is a bit pretentious as I assume John intended this book to cover all rivers but its a well known fact that River Piking could have been named Pike Fishing Tewkesbury Weir, although I was about to find out how much of the book would actually cover other rivers that I am more familiar with. River Piking was edited (or some say deciphered) by Barrie Rickards with sketches from Dave Lumb so I anticipated a well produced book if nothing else.
Chris Donovan
I was not disappointed on that score, even the front cover is iconic with John shown holding a mid-double figure pike with Tewkesbury Weir as a backdrop. Its a photograph typical of its time and even Johns clothing shows a naiveity that was present in those days where being cold didnt even come into the equation. We just pike fished and worried not a jot of future consequences. The book starts with a glow ing testament to Johns ability and attitude by Barrie Rickards and I hope that his comments Because he is an innovative man in many ways, you will find new tips and wrinkles in tackle arrangements, new approaches to boat fishing, and in places a totally new philosophical slant. Well, lets find out if the book meets these high expectations from the modern day father of pike fishing. Making statements of fact as you see them can be the kiss of death for any pike angler but in the first pages John states that being static on rivers is not the best
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
only to be hectic elsewhere on the river towards dusk. This screams out feeding routes with the same fish being responsible only in different areas, this is a theory not explored in this part of the book. He makes some excellent comments on pike fishing the tidal areas of the Severn and has some interesting thoughts on wind direction and in particular the clarity of the river. He also believes that if there is any colour at all in the river you may be wasting your time as you wont catch anything. I am sure there are many anglers who fish the Severn today who would argue with this. In my experience the slightest rainfall brings colour to the Severn very quickly and if you waited for clear water you would wait a long time especially during deep winter. He finishes off the book by naming a few waters and areas where big pike had been caught and this must have made a few enemies and is something that would definitely not be seen as wise in the modern day, and rightly so. Whether Barrie Rickards assessment of this book lives up to the hype will be down to the individual. I dont think it does but John does state at the beginning of the book that he is the first person to write about this subject in such detail, so maybe I should be a little kinder. This book give an insight into the way things were and I wonder how John would have viewed the Severn as it is today, would he still catch as many pike? We will never know but Im sure it wouldnt have been for the want of trying. Chris Donovan. Mick Brown comments further: Chris, much of what you say is very perceptive from someone who only knew him in passing. Its such a long time ago, I dont think about those days very often as things have moved on so much. I fished the Severn alongside John from about 77 to 83 or 4 when I decided that I must leave the river alone and move my fishing forward. John stayed, he loved the river and apart from that, had no car. He never had other than a motorbike licence and relied mostly on cadging lifts. We rarely fished together, there was a sort of friendly rivalry, going on different days and because the number of good swims were limited, we used a bit of kidology at times to put each other off. The first year we bank fished but the boat fishing really opened things up. How he never drowned I dont know, safety never was an issue for him. Yes, John was obsessed and single-minded about the Severn just as he was about his eel fishing. It was his whole life. I dont think he worked much at all (if ever) in the years I knew him. He just fished and fished.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
He fished for eels most nights through the summer and lived at the lock keepers cottage on Tewkesbury Island for months at a time in winter. He never lived healthily. Crap food, pills to keep him awake, pills to make him sleep, gallons of coffee in the night and fags galore. His doctor once told him he had the body of a 60 year old. He was 36 and one of the first casualties of the modern age obsessive angler. Media led, he was a simple man who tried to keep up with the hype surrounding him. The route theory was something we both agreed on. There were just five spots in the weir area (in summer) where you would contact pike. We suspected that the pike moved between them. One area was the famous sunken tree, then there was the log hole, 2 areas in the weirpool and a long glide below the island. This is probably the mid-river swim he referred to. It didnt have a great flow pressure. Ive caught in many swims just like it further up river. 11lb Sylcast... yes it sounds all wrong but I know it did the job. I used it too and wed uprated from 9lb. It sounds irresponsible today, yet I caught 4 thirties on such line when I started pit fishing. We play it a lot safer now but it seemed right at the time. You should make some mention of wobbling; John was very good at it. He was over-obsessed with big baits, caused great controversy and, in reality he never caught bigger pike on them than those using smaller baits. He was a good angler, but I dont think any better than many around him like Roy Greenwood from Tewkesbury and other visiting anglers. It wasnt hard fishing really, always plenty of pike. It was time put in that built up his tally. No-one else would sacrifice their family life and health to simply keep topping up the numbers. The numbers game did play on his mind. I think he enjoyed the statistics more than actually catching the fish. Like a few others that spring to mind! Im rambling Chris, this is opening up a lot of memories. Some good, some bad. I would rather not say any more. John is now gone and Id like to just remember him as one of the great pike angling characters. I still send his wife a Christmas card each year. She went to school with my late first wife. Those were our formative years. We had no rule books or guidelines. We learned the hard way, not through magazines and videos. I wouldnt change how it was for anything. Hope you will understand what I am saying. Regards, Mick Brown.
63
62
Book cover scan by kind courtesy of Neville Fickling.
ThePresidentsShield
PACs backstop voice of reason and still a mad keen piker
John you have been on the PAC scene for many years and to my knowledge done a lot for the club as well as pike fishing itself so I decided that you would make an ideal interviewee for the Presidents Shield. Ill start with a standard sort of kick-off question, how did you first get interested in pike and pike fishing please?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I was a member of the committee that . served between 1991 and 1994. During . . . that time I undertook the roles of . . Treasurer, Membership Secretary and . . Events Organiser, all at the same time! . In addition, I wrote a column, on behalf . . of the PAC, for Anglers Mail and I organ- . . ised some junior events. This Committee . . saw the highest ever PAC membership to . . date, a shade under 3000. It was during . . this time I came to realise how persecut- . . ed pike were. We, the Committee, seemed . . . always to be trying to convince some . . club, or owner, not to kill pike. As with . . any PAC Committee, there were . . inevitable highs and lows. . . . . To this day I still get irritated when I . hear, or see, criticism of the work of the . . . Committees past and present. Its a . . thankless task, too many people have . ideas but no desire to do the work to see . . . them through and there is often the . suggestion that Committee members are . . . doing things for their own benefit. . . A good example of this is when we . opened Fox Pool. We wanted access, for . . . PAC members, to decent pike fishing. . . We also recognised that we couldnt . . always win the arguments with owners/ . clubs who wanted to remove pike, so we . . . wanted to try to create sanctuaries . . where they could go as a last resort. . . The first fishery we managed to get . access to was Hawkshead, in the Lakes, . . . where we had a PAC boat.
SPRING 2009 NOMINEE
AWARD
By standing together we can provide a better future for pike fishing than remaining as individuals.
Other times I just sit back, let a few deadbaits soak, and recharge the batteries. I still love going pike fishing and get that glow the night before. God, I hope I dont lose that! Im so mad about pike that I have even named one of the companies I work for after them! (Pike Housing Services). Im always on the lookout for a special water, and in fact am fishing two such waters at present, as well as fishing better known fisheries like Thorpe Park. So yes, the magic is still alive for me.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
We fished a then well known part of the lake at Dartford, slaughterhouse bay. We caught some livebaits in a small pond in the slaughterhouse itself, they were very easy to catch there, and by about 10am had 2 livelies out, under gazette bungs! We were using our normal coarse rods, but less the top section as somehow we though this would give us stronger rods! My first pike came within about an hour. It was about 3-4 lb but to my friend and I it seemed enormous.
I started fishing when I was 9. It was odd really as my family lived in Bermondsey, central London, at that time and none of them had any interesting in fishing! Anyway, I managed to do a bit and we subsequently moved to Abbey Wood, in south east London, which was reasonably close to Dartford Lakes. Typical of a boy, interested in fishing, I was fishing whenever I could. When I was 12 my friend and I decided we would like to catch pike. We had, as almost everyone does, experienced a number of roach etc taken by pike when reeling them in so thought it was about time we caught one.
Could you tell me about your involvement with various PAC committees over the years? Also perhaps comment on any trends that you have noticed and maybe describe some of the highs and lows along the way.
Lots of names come and go in piking but the likes of you and I seem to stick with it. How do you motivate yourself to stick with the sport especially when the going is hard? Are you somebody to just go through the motions on the same few waters or are you always on the look out for new challenges and opportunities?
We were then offered Fox Pool, at a very low rent, as it had been netted to remove the big carp. We thought this would be an ideal way to establish the sanctuaries plus offer members some decent fishing at day ticket prices. The Committee were never credited with the Hawkshead initiative and were accused of setting up fox pool for their own use! The fact that it was 50 plus miles away from most of us, when the likes of Bough Beech reservoir were a 15 minute drive away, seemed to have been lost. Because of all the bad press created by this, the Committee abandoned its plan to try to set up similar projects throughout the country. Im sure people will still say it was the wrong thing to do but this Committee at least tried to deal with the issue of unwanted pike, a problem that still faces us today. I also served, as Treasurer, for the first year of the 1994/97 Committee.
John Synnuck
We had looked at books in the library, particularly Mr Crabtree!, so roughly knew how to unhook them. Unfortunately, then, gags were in common use and I remember even then thinking it wasnt right. Anyway, that pike laying on the grass, looking at me in only the way pike do, got me hooked on pike fishing.
An interesting question Phil. In the 40 odd years that I have been fishing, I have experienced many, many fantastic experiences. But my first love is piking. Why, I dont know. For me, now, fishing is the release from a demanding job, my true R&R. Its how I get my mind to rest. Sometimes, when I go, Im almost hyperactive, changing baits, methods and swims almost too quickly.
Les does not get the praise and recognition he deserves. Ive been involved with Less work for a number of years, providing tuitions and lessons on pike fishing. I first got involved in the 1990s through working with Ian Welch, on events at Thorpe Park for PAC members, and have been involved off and on ever since. At best, for me, its a few days a year. For Les its a full time commitment and as I say I cannot praise him too highly. Its great working with the kids,as they often ask the questions you have not thought about and knowing, through Les, that the work Angling Projects does turns
Apparently you have been involved with the likes of Les Webber and others to promote fishing as a pastime for youngsters and in particular those that need to find a new direction in life. How did that come about and what is and has been your involvement with teaching kids to fish? Have you found it rewarding personally?
Someone once said that the busier you are the easier it is to do more things. Thats what I find. As you say, I have a job that requires a significant amount of my time, both at work and thinking, (and worrying!) about it outside of work. Im lucky in as much as I have a less demanding workload than some of the other Committee members but, nevertheless it does take up time and yes, often at the expense of going fishing. I try to do things when I can, often at some godforsaken time of the morning, and it all seems to fit!
I know that you have quite a high powered and demanding job. How does that square with finding the time to do all of the committee work as well as finding a few hours to actually pike fish?
Wow, do you want a paragraph or a thesis! The club is healthy and able to deal with the challenges it is likely to face. In no small way renewal of the majority of Committee members every few years helps this, as fresh minds and fresh ideas are constantly being brought in. The real basis of your question is, I believe, what is the PAC and is it still fit for purpose. I would answer yes, because I believe the club is here to influence those who are involved in angling today, be they clubs, fishery owners, the angling press or the tackle trade. We can see many examples of this. I am not suggesting we are successful in every case, far from it, but the very fact that we can and do exert influence shows the importance of the club. With improved methods of communication, in particular the PACs website and the RO structure, information and feedback are more readily available to enable swift responses. We will always have the keyboard warriors telling us how useless etc the club is, its just a shame they dont expend the same
You would know as much as anybody about the running of our club. Is it in a healthy condition right now, what are the major challenges to it and to pike fishing generally and as if thats not enough do you believe that the PAC can make a tangible difference to things or are we just a talking shop for like minded people?
My ambition is to catch the next pike, no matter what size. Yes, as you say I have been fortunate enough to catch a very big fish and Id love to catch one over the magic 40lb mark, but in all honesty Im more concerned about catching the next one. In an earlier answer I mentioned I am on two waters which are not pike fished, but have the potential to do big fish. My ambition is to catch a 20 from each this year, If I do so, I will be as happy as I was when catching the 35lber.
No doubt you have some ambitions yet to be realised in your pike fishing or has catching a 35 plus dealt with much of that? What did catching a fish of that magnitude mean to you?
a lot of them into lifetime anglers, away from the many issues that caused problems to their lives.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes, I am still nuts about pike and pike fishing. As I said earlier I have even named one of the companies after my favourite species. And, like you, I have at least one copy of most pike books published and am always looking on websites etc to see if I can add to my collection. Whilst pike are my favourite species to fish for, at the moment I am also enjoying fishing for catfish both in the UK and in France and Spain. God forbid if we lost piking I would probably spend more time catting although I do also have a passion for tarpon.
How far progressed is the obsession with things pike in you John? Are you somebody that lives, sleeps and breathes pike. Do you collect books on pike and if so which are your favourites. Lastly what would you do if you did not fish for pike, perish the thought but with global warming we may need to make contingency arrangements!
amount of energy doing something positive for their fishing.
I know that you like to stay a bit in the background and watch things develop sometimes only getting involved say in website disputes when you absolutely have to. Is this perception correct and if I may draw you just a little, what would your message be to the piking fraternity both PAC members and not?
You are right, I rarely post on websites, although I often access them to see what is happening. I dont really know why I do this, as you know Im not a shrinking violet!, but on thinking about it so much energy seems to be expended winding each other up it seems a puerile exercise which I dont want to get involved in. Debate, particularly passionate debate, is good, its fun and often helps the people involved sharpen up their argument. However, so much appears that is deliberately and unnecessarily derogatory that it defeats the argument that those involved are trying to put. My message is a simple one; Whether we like it or not pike are still misunderstood and persecuted by many. By standing together we can provide a better future for pike fishing than remaining as individuals. History teaches us that vocal minorities often have the greatest influence, so lets work to achieve this.
65
64
SpecialistAnglersAllianceBulletin
SAA is no more; Angling Trust springs to life.
As of January 5, 2009 Angling Trust became the single organisation to represent anglers and angling in England, when SAA, NAFAC, ACA, NFA and NFSA all merged into Angling Trust and ceased to exist as individual bodies. Specialist anglers will continue to have a voice through the Specialist Angling Advisory Committee of Angling Trust and PAC will have a seat at that table so the specific interests of pike anglers will continue to be represented at a national level.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angling Trust is not like previous attempts at forming a single body . . . for angling, it is a membership organisation designed for and run . . by and for individual anglers. Clubs and associations may join but . not in a representative style but as members in their own interest to . . get the benefits of insurance cover for their executives and officers . . . etc. Individual anglers will have the loudest voice and to ensure . . that pike anglers maintain the strong representation we have . . enjoyed in the past it is vital that PAC members join as individual . . members of Angling Trust. As an individual member you will get . . 5million public liability insurance for all your angling activity, . . regular newsletters and updates on what Angling Trust is . campaigning for and where it is succeeding, an interactive website, . . . eligibility to fish AT competitions and membership of the Fish For . . Free loyalty programme. All this for only 20 a year. . . . . Angling and fisheries are under increasing pressure from other . . users of the countryside, European and national legislation, . . demands from conservationists and the ever present animal rights . . movement. 20 a year will help protect your sport and ensure that . . your children and their children can continue to use a rod and line . . to catch fish long after you are gone. You can join on line at . . www.anglingtrust.net. Do it now for the future of your childrens . . sport. When anglers join Angling Trust in numbers it will be able to . . do things we could only previously dream of; with a million anglers . . in membership, Angling Trust would have the ear of government. . No other single interest group is as big as angling yet AT needs the . . membership numbers to show government and politicians just how . . . important the fisheries environment is to the health of the nation in . . general and to the countryside and anglers in particular. . . . With a million anglers in membership, Angling Trust would get: . . . Delivery of better management of our marine environment, . . more stocks of fish for recreational anglers, the Golden Mile, . . access to Marine Protection Zones, a ban on gill nets, a ban on . . disruptive bottom fishing methods. If all that failed we could buy . . out the licenses that continue to allow the rape of our seas under . . the common fishery policy
Commerce and industry would start to appreciate the importance of angling to their well being. Significant sponsorship of international teams could be introduced from outside angling, bringing money and TV to the sport and encouraging more youngsters to take it up Angling Trust could buy waters at risk and lease them to angling clubs, assuring access to them for generations to come Angling Trust could persuade Sport England that angling really is a significant sport and valuable to the health of the nation bringing more medals home than any other sport in England and worth investing serious money in Politicians and administrators would think twice about legislation which might interfere with such a significant part of the population Angling Trust could persuade British Waterways to improve the towpaths and access to canals, the fish stocks and water quality and to take an active role in angling development The Environment Agency might be persuaded to carry out their statutory duty to consult on fishery matters at local level. Angling Trust could become the licensing authority, generating millions for angling and development, and commissioning fisheries works suited to the needs of AT members and the wider environment Angling Trust could develop and run a whole series of matches for different groups of anglers in all sectors of the sport on all sorts of venues to give you the angling experience you want. Angling Trust could get a ban on imported live fish to stop the introduction of disease Angling Trust would be seen as a key partner in conservation work and more funding for fisheries would result Angling could finally attain its rightful place in England with a fishing rod in every home, every child with access to water and schools using angling creatively to encourage and involve children in education. The world would be our oyster and angling, anglers and our fisheries would benefit Will you join to support this dream? Dont think about it, do it now, send your cheque or join on line using your credit card at: anglingtrust.net See you in the twenty first century. Mike Heylin, Secretary SAA.
66
Visit Angling Trusts website at: anglingtrust.net
67
PACRegionalAssociationsAnd LiaisonOfficers-RegionalOrganisers
NORTH EAST
Liaison Officer Robert Murray, 33 Greenlaw, West Denton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE5 5DD. Email: northeast.lo@pacgb.co.uk Website: pacgb-northeast.co.uk Teesside and Darlington RA21/89 Craig Patterson Tel: 07984 164746. 13 Castlefields, Bournmoor, County Durham DH4 6HH. E: peter@patterson5177.fsnet.co.uk South East Northumberland RA24 Mike Bell, Stonepykes, 2 Holystone Drive, Holystone, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE27 0DH. Email: pikeymikeyatra24@blueyonder.co.uk Joint RO: Neil Baker, 2 East View, Burnopfield, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE16 6HP. Email: neillyn.luke@virgin.net Tyneside RA86 Geoff Clarkson, 17 Monks Crescent, Durham DH1 1HD. Tel: 07872 188658. Email: geoff007@tesco.net Assistant RO: Dave Mitchell, 13 Cauldwell Villas, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 0RZ. Tel: 01914 235188. Website: pikergrove.co.uk
YORKSHIRE
Liaison Officer Brian Birdsall, 3 Hough End Crescent, Bramley, Leeds, W Yorks. LS13 4RU. Tel: 01132 298789. Email: brian.birdsall@ntlworld.com Restarted: Selby RA40 Mark Green, Oakland Waters, Gowdall Road, Gowdall, Goole, E Yorks. DN14 0AP. Mob: 07960118685. Email: markpike73@googlemail.com Halifax RA47 Keighley RA79 (Both Vacant) East Yorkshire RA42 Ady Brayshaw, 11 Hall Walk, Walkington, Beverley, E Yorks. Ripon RA50 Bill Winship, 7 Knox Chase, Harrogate, N Yorks. HG1 3HZ. E-mail:bill@pacp.fsnet.co.uk Restarted: Leeds & Bradford RA66/44 Andrew Brown, 37 Coppicewood Avenue, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 9JP. Tel: 01943 871765. Email andyjanebrown@aol.co.uk Doncaster RA78 Jeff Squires, 147 High Street, Dunsville, Doncaster, S Yorks. DN7 4BT. Email: esoxjeff@talktalk.net Wakefield RA96 Peter S Green, 17 Lincoln Street, Wakefield, W Yorks. WF2 0EB. Tel: 01924 782705. Email: psgreen@blueyonder.co.uk Road, Ossett, W Yorks. WF5 8BA. Restarted: Hull RA95 Tony Derrick. Poplar House Farm, Church Lane, Skirlaugh, Hull HU11 5EU. Tel: 01954 563645. Mob: 07976965756. Email: tony@skirlaugh.co.uk Web Blog: hullpac.blogspot.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . Rotherham and Sheffield RA99 . . Philip Heaton, 4 Straight Lane, Goldthorpe, . . Rotherham, S Yorks. Tel: 01709 888996. . . Email: rotherhampac@yahoo.co.uk . . . . NEW: Aire Valley RA104 . . Brian Birdsall, 3 Hough End Crescent, Bramley, . . Leeds, W Yorks. LS13 4RU. Tel: 01132 298789. . . Email: brian.birdsall@ntlworld.com Joint RO: . . Jim Taylor, 4 Trent Road, Redcar TS10 1NN. . Tel: 01642 472636. Email: jimataylor@google.com . . . . . . . NORTH WEST . . Liaison Officer . Mark Johnson, 6 Chestnut Road, Market Drayton, . . . Shropshire TF9 1LY. Tel: 07817 419286. . . Email: mark-cheshirepiker@fsmail.net . . . . Blackpool RA17 Restarting details TBA. . . . . Cheshire RA9 . . Andy Bates, 4 The Close, Northwich, Cheshire, . CW8 1JX.Tel: 01606 871066. Mob: 07834999129. . . . Email: andybates7@sky.com . . . . Preston RA6 Manchester RA65 . . Newton-le-Willows RA73 Colne RA82 . . Southport RA103 (All Vacant) . . . . North Lake District RA5 . . Tommy Thompson, 32 Clifton Lodge, . . Great Clifton, Workington, Cumbria . . CA14 1UR. Tel: 01900 602253. . . . . Glossop RA88 . Andy (Kosh) Kershaw, 18 Meadowfield, Hadfield, . . . Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 2BL. . . Tel: 0797 6797158. . . Email: pike4kosh-22@zen.co.uk . . . . South Lancashire RA31 . . Jon Neafcy, 30 Greenbank, Abram, Wigan, Lancs. . . WN2 5XU. Email: roregion31@blueyonder.co.uk . . . . . . WEST MIDLANDS . . Liaison Officer . . Steve Bown, 32 Saxonwood Road, Cheswick . . Green, Shirley, Solihull, West Mids. B90 4JN. . . Email: solihullpac@hotmail.com . . . . Birmingham RA1 . . Robert Tonks, 5 Barford Close, Sutton Coldfield, . . West Midlands B762UL. . . . . Dudley RA3 . . John Tate, 12 Cherry Orchard Avenue, . . Halesowen, W Midlands B63 3RY. . . . . Shakespeare RA20 . . Steve Bown, 32 Saxonwood Road, Cheswick . . Green, Shirley, Solihull, West Mids. B90 4JN. . . Email: ra20shakespeare@btinternet.com . . Website: pac20shakespeare.blogspot.com . . . . Walsall RA37 Gloucester RA41 . . (Both Vacant)
Huddersfield RA100 Craig Beverley, 93 Knowle Road, Golcar, Huddersfield HD7 4AN. Tel: 07815 785726.
Cotswold RA46 Malcolm Yates, The Old Post House, Salperton, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 4EE. Tel: 01451 850659.
EAST MIDLANDS
Liaison Officer Pete Haywood, 20 Carisbrooke Avenue, Gedling, Notts, NG4 2RD. Tel: 01159 615958. Nottinghamshire RA26 (Caretaker ROs) Pete Haywood, 20 Carisbrooke Avenue, Gedling, Notts, NG4 2RD. Tel: 01159 615958. Phil Kirk, 8 Edge Hill Court, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1PQ. Tel: 01159 731347. Leicester RA67 Soar Valley RA80 (Both vacant) Burton-on-Trent RA49 Gary Edwards, Honey Cottage, Hatton Fields, Sutton Lane, Hilton, Derbyshire DE65 5GQ. Tel: 07896778546. Email: gary@garyedwards.orangehome.co.uk Amber Valley RA84 David Holmes, 33 Thurston Avenue, Somercoats, Derbyshire DE55 4JP. Tel: 01773 603607. Assistant RO: John Milford, Email: John.Milford@drakauk.com
ANGLIAN
Liaison Officers Denis Moules, 32 Fairhaven Close, Lode, Cambs. CB5 9HG. E-mail: moules@btinternet.com Dave Batten, 14 Mill Lane, Carbrooke, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 6TD. Cambridge RA2 Andrew Blazey, 3 Mason Gardens, West Row, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 8PH. Tel/Fax: 01638 717128. Mob: 07770 970946. Email: andrew.blazey@primeag.co.uk Joint RO: Richard Wesley, 15 Holland Park, Cheveley, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9DL. Tel: 07812 161955. Email: Richard.Wesley@incadigital.com Suffolk RA8 Colin Hall, 2 Rymer Point Cottages, Barnham, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PN. Tel: 01842 890652. Herts/Chiltern RA16 John Lawrie, 12 Mallard Walk, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8DY. Tel: 07894 561348. Email: lawrie1@ntlworld.com Joint RO: Dave Thompson. Mob: 0703390045. Kings Lynn and West Norfolk RA72 Chris Bishop, Tel: 07789 592834. Email: chris_bishop1@hotmail.com Joint RO: Steve Rodwell, 10 Methwold Road, Methwold Hythe, Thetford, Norfolk IP26 4QH. Restarted: Norwich RA33 John Currie, Lodge Farm, Halesworth Road, Ilketshall St.Lawrence, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 8NJ. Mob: 07776221959. E-mail: jcurrie@ymail.com Joint RO: Steve Roberts, Comfrey Cottage, 2 Low Common, Swardeston Norwich NR14 8LG. Mob: 07950292933.
. . . . . . . Corby RA91 . . David McLachlan, 15 Jubilee Close, Islip, . . Kettering NN14 3DU. . . . . Lincoln RA48 . . Mark Winterton, 53 Silver Street, Bardney, . . Lincs. LN3 5XG. Tel: 01526 397174. . . Email: thewaits@btinternet.com . . . . . . THAMES . . Liaison Officer . . Phil Wakeford, 17 Ramsbury Drive, Earley, . . Reading, Berks RG6 7RT. . . . . Reading RA14 . . Lyndon Barrett, 15 Adam Close, Baughurst, . . RG26 5HG. Tel 07880783976. . . Email: Mandylyndon@tiscali.co.uk Joint RO: . . Peter Wardle, 65a Kings Road, Caversham, . Reading, Berkshire RG4 8DS. Tel: 07876 503569. . . . Email: petersrgi@hotmail.com . . . . Walton on Thames RA15 . . Dave Fish, 63 Ashurst Drive, Shepperton, . . Middlesex TW17 0JH. Tel: 01932 562929. . . Email: dave.fish@waltonpac.org.uk . . . . Swindon RA34 Guildford RA51 . . North Essex RA102 (All vacant) . . . . Lea Valley RA85 . Caretaker RO: Dave Horton, 88 Berecroft, Harlow, . . . Essex CM18 7SD. . . . . Tring and District RA101 . . Brad Sinfiend, 89 Kingsley Walk, Tring, Herts. . . HP23 5DR. Tel: 07879 070167. . . . . . . SOUTH . . Liaison Officer . . Mark Skinner, 41 Brook Street, Polegate, . . E Sussex BN26 6BH. Tel: 0771 754993. . . Email: south.lo@pacgb.co.uk . . . . Restarting: West Sussex RA11 Details TBA. . . . . Canterbury/Thanet RA30/60 . . John Roberts, 102 Minster Road, . . Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8DG. . . . . Southampton RA39 . . Lewis McCall, 264 Warsash Road, Warsash . . SO31 9NZ. Tel: 01489 575077. . . Email: esox9@btinternet.com . . . . Medway RA59 (Vacant) . . . . East Sussex RA70 . . Gary Hodd, 14 Smith Close, Ninfield, E. Sussex . . TN33 9RB. Mob: 07734 045233. . . Email: garyregion70@aol.com . Joint RO: Jon Cook, 17 Swale Close, Stone Cross, . . . Pevensey BN24 5GY. Tel: 01323 743736. . . Email: jonregion70@aol.com . . Web: sussex-pac.co.uk
Ely/Fenland RA32 Fenland/Lincs. RA45 (Both Vacant)
Thames Gateway RA19 Steve Gould, 52 Coptefield Drive, Belvedere, Kent DA17 5RL. Email: Esoxlucius1964@aol.com Website: pacregion19@aol.com thamesgatewaypac.blogspot.com/
SOUTH WEST
Liaison Officer Pete Austin, 1 The Myrtles, North End, Creech St. Michaels, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5AD. Tel: 01823 444116. Email:Levelspiker@aol.com Somerset Levels RA12 Pete Austin, 1 The Myrtles, North End, Creech St. Michaels, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5AD. Tel: 01823 444116. Email:Levelspiker@aol.com Joint RO: Mick Saunders,113 Hamilton Road, Taunton, Somerset,TA12EP. E: Pikemad@aol.com Bristol RA25 Martyn Cattermole, Wentworth, 53 South View Crescent, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2LR. Mob: 07785946266. Email: martyn.cattermole@googlemail.com Devon RA13 Plymouth RA36 W. Cornwall RA81 (All vacant)
SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND

Liaison Officer Scott Davidson, 7 Old Glasgow Road, Kilwinning, Ayrshire KA13 7QJ. Tel: 01294 542843. Mobile: 07886 435139. Email: ayrshirepikeangler@hotmail.co.uk Ayrshire RA52 Scott Davidson, 7 Old Glasgow Road, Kilwinning, Ayrshire KA13 7QJ. Tel: 01294 542843. Mobile: 07886 435139. Email: ayrshirepikeangler@hotmail.co.uk Joint RO: Dave Morris, 7 Trabboch Avenue, Drongan, Ayrshire KA6 7DR. Tel: 07960 368053. email: davemorris62@aol.com Castle Douglas & Kirkcudbright RA61 (Vacant) Newton Stewart RA57 Duncan Vincent, Galloway Angling Centre, 87 Queen Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6JR.
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
Liaison Officer John Oliver, Flat 1 Left, 91 Fotheringay Road, Pollockshields, Glasgow G41 4LH. Tel: 07764 635206. Clydebank RA58 Jonathan Sykes, 3 Watt Place, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7LQ. Tel: 0141 9567742. Email: ycfcpike@hotmail.com North Lanarkshire RA93 Sandy Mackie, 2 Raeburn Walk, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland ML4 1ILH. Tel: 0771 7175353. Email:sandymackie@blueyonder.co.uk
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NORTHERN SCOTLAND
Liaison Officers Rab Hay, 15 Elizabeth Street, Nairn. Tel: 01667 456506. Mob: 07766 439860. Email: helenandrab@talktalk.net Joint LO: Micky Jones, 17 Miller Street, Inverness IV2 3ND. Tel: 01463 712591. Email:esoxness@hotmail.co.uk Inverness RA74 (Highlands RA54 Elgin RA75) Rab Hay, 15 Elizabeth Street, Nairn. Tel: 01667 456506. Mob: 07766 439860. Email: helenandrab@talktalk.net Joint RO: Micky Jones, 17 Miller Street, Inverness IV2 3ND. Tel: 01463 712591. Email:esoxness@hotmail.co.uk Aberdeen RA76 Jim Horsburgh, 66 Harlaw Road, Inveruie, Aberdeenshire AB51 4TB. Tel: 01467 622381.
WALES
Liaison Officer (Vacant) North Wales South Wales RA10 (Vacant)
NORTHERN IRELAND
Liaison Officer George Higgins, 201 Lower Braniel Road, Belfast BT5 7NP. Northern Ireland RA43 (Vacant) NEW: Northern Ireland (South) RA111 Robbie Marsh, 21 Springdale Cresent, Kilkeel, BT34 4XY. Mob: 07727044623. Email: marshpike@aol.com Website: pikemania.co.uk/home.html
PAC Affiliate Organisations

Irish Pike Society (IPS) Contact: Ian Forde, No.4 Effernoc Manor, Trim, County Meath, S Ireland. Web: irishpikesociety.com Angling Trust Contact: Mike Heylin, 41 Crofts Path, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8HB. Web: anglingtrust.net Pike Flyfishing Association (PFFA) Chairman: Peter Jones, 28 Crown Avenue, Holbeach St. Marks, Spalding, Lincs. PE12 8EU. Email: pffachairman@btinternet.com Web: pffa.co.uk Pike Anglers Alliance for Scotland (PAAS) General Secretary: Joe Toner. Email: gensec@esoxecosse.com Web: esoxecosse.com Note: Will all ROs and LOs please check their details with care. Any alterations please contact Steve Ormrod asap at: predhunter.o@virgin.net If any ROs want to advertise their meetings events on the PAC website regional events page, contact Dave Lumb at: webmaster@pacgb.com
WhatsHappeningAtYourPACRegion?
Send your reports to Neville Fickling at: thetackleshop@btconnect.com PL124 deadline for submissions: Mar. 27th 2009.
68
Visit the regions: pacgb.co.uk/regions/index.htm
69

Pikelines Issue 123

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Pikelines Issue 123

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

pacgb.

ISSUE 123 Spring 2009

AMM2009Date . 2008EventReports . TalkingTactics:IcePiking

Features AweNostalgiaTripGrahamBarstow TimeForChange?CraigWinter AlienInvasionMark Ackerley

UnderTheSkinMickyJones RiverPiking:J.SidleyChrisDonovan PresidentsShieldJohnSynnuck

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

PAC Committee Contact Details...

PAC Honorary Life Members:

PACTroubleshooters:WeHaveThePower... If you see or hear of anything anti-pike/

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

PACMegaRaffleUpdate Winter 08/09

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

Exclusive New Memberships Promotion 08/09

So get recruiting and Good Luck!

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

Ade (front left) enjoys a laugh at the Convention.

BumperYearAheadPredictsEA ... OuseLostABoatBeforeChristmas?

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

WullieOpensNewTroutFishery ... NewPikeFishingPermitForHorseyMere

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

Truly Awesome scenery to fish in.

Maud chats with Graham.

Ivan saved a 4-day blank with a last-minute jacky.

Steve struck lucky with a low double.

You are always smiling with mates like these!

They came, they caught!

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

Tag gun and tags.

The finished tasty morsel.

Craig with the single-hook caught 23.08 mentioned in the text.

After Extensive Experimentation With Singles I Reckon I Have A Viable Option

Quote FromThe Past

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

Q: Favorite water? Living in Inverness I

Micky pike fishes in stunning settings.

...you cant beat it!

...no matter how

stressful gets, 10 minutes

Q: How far do you travel to pike fish?

its all gone.

NJF: Many thanks for responding to this quarters grilling Micky.

For the latest news visit: pacnews.blogspot.com

Visit the exclusive PAC forum: websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/pacgb

SENPACs Kay Needham looking very happy with her catch

i. Full-Zip Fleece a. Baseball Cap

Grey a. Blue b. Red

PAC Badges d. Polo Shirt*

l. Round car sticker Order Code: CS. 1.50

m. PAC Mouse Mat

Pikelines A4+ Binders

E.T. Predator Tackle www.etpredatortackle.co.uk

E.T. FIXED SPOOL SERIES RODS

E.T. PIKE OILS

E.T. PIKE RODS

E.T. TRACEMAKING COMPONENTS

E.T. 'Ultimate' Backbiter

Buy your E.T. tackle from the following dealers:

Article graphics /layout kindly supplied by Mark.

GREYS PRODIGY PIKE RODS

LOZ HARROP LURES