CATCHES of huge pike have continued to flood into Angling Times this month, in what’s turning out to be a truly memorable winter for readers targeting the species.
Since October, no fewer than 14 weekly Drennan Cup awards have been given to pike, compared to 10 for the whole of last season. Some of these catches contained multiple ‘thirties’, and with a pile of upper twenties also reported, it seems that something has got Britain’s toothiest fish well and truly on the munch!
Among those getting in on the Esox action this week was Alex Wright, who banked a 31lb 3oz fish on floatfished mackerel from the Warkwickshire Avon – thought to be a species record for the Midlands river.
Elsewhere, Aberdare angler Lestyn Jones banked a 30lb 8oz Wye pike, having managed six between 22lb 6oz and 28lb 4oz in sessions running up to the catch.
So, why are so many big pike being caught this year? We asked Gord Burton – the famed ‘Piking Pirate’ – for his take on matters.
“With people travelling less due to Covid, a lot of our more remote waters have had a bit of a rest, he said. “As a result, the fish are likely to be hungrier.
“We’ve also seen more people fishing,” Gord added. “Having caught a few thirties myself, I can say they’re easy to catch but hard to find. With more anglers covering more water, it makes sense that more big fish are slipping up. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more true giants among them.”