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Young angler stunned after catching enormous pike

by Aidan Bordiuk |

Updated on28th November 2025 at 9.38am

It can take anglers years to get their hands on a fish of a lifetime, and for others, they may never catch the fish they dream of, no matter how hard they try. While you may see big fish in the press quite often, they are still incredibly rare, and a big pike, particularly one exceeding the 30lb mark, is a true monster, and one very few anglers will ever get the chance to catch.

At just 12 years of age, Warrington’s fishing fanatic Cameron Daley has already built an impressive album of big-fish captures, but on a recent trip with his dad, Ste, he banked his best fish to date, this giant 31lb 9oz pike.

"With Cam asking to go and catch a big pike, I decided a trip to a favoured Midlands water was in order. The conditions looked favourable during the session, but little did I know what was about to happen," Ste told us.

"Tactics were fairly simple, as with most pike fishing. We used a small sardine deadbait mounted on size 6 trebles, which was fished at medium range on a running rig," he added.

IF YOU HAVE NEVER USED DEADBAITS FOR PIKE, HERE IS HOW TO USE THEM!

Cam elated with the giant pike

After getting their rods positioned in the lake, the father–son duo sat back with anticipation for the first bite of the day, which didn’t take long. Cam didn’t hesitate and struck into a really good fish that began shaking its head in a bid for freedom.

"Cam played the fish really well, and after some blistering runs, we managed to get it close enough to see how big it was," Ste said.

"We were now both fully aware he had a massive pike on, but staying calm, Cam managed to steer it into the waiting landing net, and we both let out a cheer."

"After unhooking the fish, we let her rest while we got the scales and equipment ready. It was only when I lifted the fish from the water that I knew Cam had a thirty, and sure enough the big girl pulled the scales round to 31lb 9oz, smashing his previous PB by over 11lb."

"We slipped her back and decided to put a smelt out at range, and we caught a smaller fish around an hour later at 13lb. It was a great day on the bank and a session we will never forget," Ste concluded.

HEAD TO ONE OF THESE VENUES FOR THE CHANCE TO CATCH A MONSTER PIKE.

Cam with the smaller fish of the session

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