After a poor season during 24/25 I decided to have a go for Pike instead of Barbel this season from October onwards but after a bout of man flu and a back problem I didn't start until a week ago so here goes the first four sessions.
Arrive at a new venue which I was put onto by a mate who had some big fish out over the last two seasons. In the swim and the first underarm cast into the ten foot margin by 07.15, it then started to rain, brolly set up and Siren bleeps, float under and freespool away. Wind down and pull into the fish a few minutes later a single figure fish unhooked and released.
Rod rebaited and cast to same spot onto the Siren/rests and pick up second rod to set up. Barely touch the rod and the first rod is away again......after a good fight the fish is netted and its clear this is a very good fish. I wish the scales could sing as a tune of 22lb 6oz would have sounded lovely the fish is slipped back and I pat myself on the back and shout "yes" its just after 08.00!!
I manage to get both rods in the water settle on my chair and the same rod is away again a good double and then another, four fish its just after 09.00 this unreal.
Settling down again I have a brew and my second breakfast I then give my mate a call and let him know what has just happened, he congratulates me and then says I had ten out of there last season in one session....wow I replied at that point my other rod is away and I hang up then the other rod is away a double hook up pike fishing what a nightmare. My first take is hooked rod is put down then second rod is hooked up and put on the ground. The first take is played, landed, unhooked and returned now the second rod and same process, two more doubles. No issues thankfully. I recast both rods and have a brew and then remember I've not let Cath know that I've arrived !!!!! after an ear bashing she asks if I've had owt I tell her and ten minutes later we end the call.
Its now just after 10.00 and the same rod is away again a 17lb 6oz fish is released and the rod is recast. Just before 11.00 the same rod is away again this time its a single which swims off well.
I call my mate again, eight fish he shouts, yep is my reply and I am well and truly tired I say or something similar. I just fell lucky I say in conversation no he says you deserve that you are the only angler on there in such crap conditions you've earned that result, I thank him and we say our goodbyes.
Ragging in time comes at noon, no more fish, did I care....nope. I drove home happy and the drying out process began.
In summary eight fish, one twenty, five doubles and two singles in just under fours hours, seven fish to the left hand rod. A red letter day for an average angler.
My next three sessions on different venues have been blanks, back down to earth for Mr Average but what a memory it leaves me with.
Thank you for reading
Tight lines everyone
