When we think of prebaiting, it tends to be more associated with species like carp and tench but have you ever thought of doing it for pike? Well, Gary Thompson proved how effective it can be when he baited his local River Stour with chunks of fish for a few weeks, which resulted in the capture of this enormous 32lb 4oz pike.
"I arrived at an area I’ve been lightly pre-baiting during the winter months with chopped sea fish, planning to fish into dusk. This spot has produced pike up to 25lb for me in past winters, making it a promising location," he revealed to us.
"After a couple of jacks through the afternoon I was waiting for the last hour as that is generally when I have takes from better fish from this particular river."
"At 17:30, the drop-back indicator pulled out, signaling another small fish, around 7lb. I decided to cast back to the spot and give it another 30 minutes. Just 3 minutes later, the drop-off indicator pulled the line out once again."
Gary was shocked to get a bite so soon after casting back in and initially thought it may have been a ball of weed that hit his line. However, as he lifted the rod he immediately realised he was attached to a much bigger fish.
"The first time I saw her, I realised it was a solid 20-pound fish. But after a slow, deep, heavy fight, she was finally in the net—and that’s when it dawned on me that I had landed a river 30lber," he recalled.
"After weighing her, it was confirmed, she came in at 32lb. I know the nearby Hampshire Avon produces a few 30lb fish here and there, but a 30-pound pike from the Dorset Stour is a dream come true for me."
The massive fish fell to a mackerel deadbait fished on a strong running setup, consisting of 80lb braid, size 6 trebles and Drennan E-Sox wire.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO PIKE FISHING, CHECK OUT THIS EXPERT ARTICLE ON THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE AND UNHOOK THEM.
