AN angler targeting trout on light fly-fishing tackle has landed the biggest pike of the season weighing a colossal 43lb.
Barry Hawyes was fishing Chew Valley Lake with guide John Horsey when what’s thought to be the largest-ever UK fly-caught pike took his tiny size 10 Woolly Bugger lure.
The Wiltshire angler revealed how he had a delicate take and soon knew he wasn’t attached to his target species. “Trout will race off, but this thing towed us round the lake!” Barry said. “Quite often pike will bite you off on trout gear, so all I wanted to do was see this thing, which I knew would be hard work as I was using a 10lb fluoro leader and just a 7wt rod.”
The fish was eventually netted, after which a combined effort was needed to bring the beast aboard the boat.
“We sat in disbelief, looking at it, and when the scales flew round to 43lb we were speechless!” said Barry.
After releasing the fish and returning to the fishing lodge for a coffee, Barry and John headed back out after trout – but not for long.
“I told John we may as well call it a day – we were mind-blown! Moments like this make me feel sorry for people that don’t fish.”
