HALF a mackerel was all Bristol angler Richard Earl needed to tempt a run from this cracking 30lb 4oz river pike.
Targeting a weir pool on the Bristol Avon, Richard landed several other pike during an action-packed session, but unsurprisingly the ‘thirty’ was the star of the show.
After getting the bite and setting the hooks, Richard said his rod doubled over, before the heavy fish ‘used its weight’ to cruise towards some overhanging trees.
Thankfully, his 18lb mainline and 40lb wire trace held firm, and the long, lean and beautifully marked river monster was soon in the net.
Richard Earl – 30lb 4oz pike