HAVING landed a 33lb 13oz personal-best pike from Chew Valley Lake back in May, Devon angler Bruce Elston was pretty happy with his lot – but after a friend of his landed an even bigger fish, he couldn’t resist one more go!
It was Wayne Thomas’ 38-pounder, reported in the May 28 issue of Angling Times, that inspired Bruce’s return, but on arrival at the venue he was met with high winds – far from ideal for fly fishing, which is the only tactic allowed at this time of the year at Chew.
After a few hours of fishing, he only had a few small jack pike to show for his efforts, and nothing had shown in his usual, favoured areas of the lake.
Bruce then retreated to a more sheltered bay, where a big fish soon hit his scruffy tiger fly pattern.
A dogged fight ensued, but his stout 10wt rod eventually subdued the impressive predator, which scaled 36lb 8oz.
