Over past winters, Oxford angler Paul Scowen has had his sights set firmly on catching a pike weighing over 35lb, and his wish finally came true on a recent session when he landed this 37lb 1oz giant.
He was fishing from the bank at Somerset’s Chew Valley Lake – the venue that’s just produced a new British Record. Using a smelt deadbait which he’d positioned over the back of a weed bed, Paul received a steady take around lunchtime and wound down into what was clearly a good fish.
FIND THE BEST PIKE FISHING VENUES NEAR YOU IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
It kited left, taking line repeatedly as it neared the bank, wiping out his other rod
in the process. After wading out to land the fish, Paul found that his landing net was snagged in some overhanging roots. Due to high water levels, he couldn’t get himself and the fish out together, so he called over his fishing partner, Gavin Fudge, to help.
Calamity then unfolded, as Gavin lost his balance while leaning out to grab the net and fell straight into the thigh-deep water!
Eventually, the pair got out, where Paul was very happy with the reading on his scales. He added that Gavin’s fall only added ‘colour and laughter’ to the tale!
LURE FISHING IS A GREAT TACTIC FOR PIKE. HERE IS OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST LURES.
This page is a free example of the amazing content Angling Times Members get every single week. Becoming an Angling Times Member gives you access to award-winning magazine content, member rewards, our back issue archives, bonus content and more! Join our fishing community and find out more today!