When he was just 12 Duncan Hayward caught a 21lb 4oz pike on a lure, and it remained his PB for many years.
But following a recent tough campaign on the Thames, during which he endured cold and muddy banks, plus countless blanks, he finally beat it with this fine fish of 30lb 3oz.
Duncan caught what he describes as “the pike he’s dreamed of for nearly 30 years” using a roach livebait, fished in the margins.
He added that his float was ‘going mad’ for 10 minutes before signalling the take, and reckoned the pike was stalking his bait during that time.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN CATCH MORE PIKE IN THIS EXPERT ADVICE ARTICLE.
This page is a free example of the amazing content Angling Times Members get every single week. Becoming an Angling Times Member gives you access to award-winning magazine content, member rewards, our back issue archives, bonus content and more! Join our fishing community and find out more today!