Fly fishing for pike has soared in popularity, and it’s not difficult to see why when fish like this 34lb beast can be caught using beefed-up game fishing tackle.
It was landed by Martyn Cattermole from Chew Valley Lake in Somerset , the nation’s premier ‘Esox’ venue.
Although once regarded as little more than a fun way to catch the species, fly fishing for pike has evolved greatly in recent years– in fact the tactic has accounted for some of the biggest predators ever reported. An increasing number of anglers are now exploiting a loophole on some waters that allows them to target pike on fly tackle outside of the traditional winter season.
Martyn had his fish on a silver fly, and had landed 11 pike by 1.30pm – but none were over 7lb, so he moved to an area known to produce large fish at this time of year.
“I’d drifted around 100 yards when I had a hit in 12ft of water and connected with a heavy fish that made a few powerful lunges, taking line,” Martyn revealed.
“When it came to the surface, I was shocked. There was this huge pike with a very broad back and massive head suspended a few feet below the rod-tip."
"After I lifted her to the surface, she slid into the net, and I knew she was a good ‘thirty’," Martin added.
LURE FISHING IS ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO TARGET PIKE, CHECK OUT THE BEST PIKE LURES IN OUR BUYER'S GUIDE.
