The form of Somerset’s Chew Valley Lake has been no secret this year, as anglers travelled from far and wide in the hope of catching one of the venue’s huge pike.
Hertfordshire angler James Crosby was the latest to get in on the action, landing this 38lb 8oz specimen.
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Fishing a shallow part of the lake, he’d just landed a fish of 26lb 12oz before having the take from the near-40-pounder.
The big one put up a great fight in the margins and was taken on a smelt deadbait.
James switched to these smaller baits after getting very tentative takes on larger offerings. He also opted for smaller trebles, and the switch resulted in more positive runs.
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