After a slow start things have been picking up on the Lake District pike fishing scene and we have had some very memorable sessions. Ciaran Wilson came down from Scotland for a couple of days and enjoyed some grand fishing with the best this 21lb specimen. Over the next week the fishing really took off with most days out producing at least one eighteen pounder and several chances including a 25 to yours truly. Thanks Ciaran for offering the guide that last run! Most of these fish have been in perfect condition , beautifully marked, and all swam away strongly. Kelly Barbour treated her husband to a days fishing and Jonathan had a cracking 18.12 as part of a four fish day when the mist was right down and for a little while we found our way around using the sonar because we couldn’t see the shore! In the middle of all this, I must mention one very special session in particular with Andy Mac Donald. One of those days where just small influences on life can make a big difference to the outcome. In this case another angler fishing a favourite swim meant a change of plan and working on a hunch, , we anchored up quietly on a shelf in a new area with access to a range of depths, and put a series of baits out on lightly balanced rigs. Between cups of tea and bacon butties we put the world to rights, and had a few epic moments with fish including losing a good one on the anchor rope, but ended the day with an astonishing total of three jacks, two scraper doubles, two twenties and a six pound trout! The grinning hasn’t stopped yet and just rewards for putting in a bit of time to work out seasonal movements. One of those very memorable, special days to store away, of course next time out things will have changed.. and I’ll probably struggle again. Oh Yes. If you are one of those anglers who dips in here to shortcut their way to monsters, forget it! Its only luck.Just enjoy the fishing there’s always something to enjoy. Treat them decent though. Good pike are not as tough as you might think, I rest them in the net at the boat to get their breath back for a minute, sort the unhooking stuff and they are back in no time rested and strong. I just like watching them swim away really and its good to know they are there.

Trout season starts soon !!!, and fly fishing for pike!!

…Tarra

Ciaran Wilson 21 .6

And one on the House Rod. Nice fish!!!

Andy Mac Donald and a personal best twenty