The Complete Fisher Forum

[Allrounder]

Yesterday was my second trip and Tony Lakefisher's first trip of 2019 and while my first trip in early May was a blank, it wasn't that surprising as my previous notes suggest that the pike fishing doesn't really get going until the middle of the month at the earliest. However the weather looked spot on with overcast sky, the clarity was good and there was enough breeze to warrant a drogue so we decided to start with a few long drifts from Spring Bay across into Stratfords.

Our first drift got off to a good start when after 20 minutes or so I tightened into a slight resistance on the retrieve which turned out to be a small Jack which would struggle to take the scales down to 2-8 but at least it was an Esox and my first of the year on Chew. Further along the drift I had better Jack follow my fly to the boat before turning away but that was it until we reached Stratford's where the same thing happened with the same result.

We repeated the drift and looked at a few other places and although Tony's sounder picked up some large fish on the bottom, location is only half the problem with pike, catching them in a feeding mood is the trick.

Until now Tony had only seen one fish follow with a few taps which might have been Rainbows but when I heard a shout and saw his rod in a curve I knew he was in! This turned out to be another Jack but at between 4 and 5lb it was twice the size of the fish I had. It gave a spirited display before surrendering to the the net to whoops of joy from Tony. That how pike fly fishing gets you - hours of fruitless drifting and countess casts and then the most incredible adrenaline rush.....

We carried on for a few more hours but gave it best at 4pm in order for Tony to miss the Bristol traffic going home and for me to swap my gear for trout tackle for the last few hours.

So a tough session albeit made easier by Tony's good company and at least we both opened our Esox account on Chew for 2019 . Hopefully there is bigger and better to come!

Until the next tide ...

Alan
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Member of ...
The Angling Trust
BRFFA
B.A.S.S.
Pike Fly Fishing Association

If you see me on the bank, say hello!

[lakefisher]

A fair report on a somewhat tough day Alan.

Must admit to being surprised with the water temperature at 15 degrees. The temp and clarity (a sunk rod measured 8 feet) making for some early weed growth in water up to 12 feet deep, as shown regularly on my sounder, along with some very large Pike. But as you rightly said - finding them, but in feeding mode is the key. :roll

At least we both managed to boat the intended green ones - not exactly the larger beasts we desired, I know - but I was grateful not to blank, hence the whoops.

Pleased you did well with the trout afterwards

Till our next visit ......... Tony
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Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

[arkle]

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Hi there, I have around 40 yrs exp. of tying flies, incl. some semi-pro work. I've taught at adult evening classes, written for and supplied photos for most U.K. fly magazines. Given talks/slide shows/lectures/demonstrations etc. Am founder and life pres. of local Fly Dressers Guild (27years), our members have won more prizes for tying than any other similar club, we've also won several national flyfishing comps. I look forward to both learning from and contributing to this highly respected forum.