I have been super-keen to get out with at least one of the new Major Craft rods this week, so today I headed off locally to see if I could find some Pike. A cold, early start, with light rain and grey skies. Opting for the heavier approach, the set up I went with was the Major Craft Volkey Big Lake Custom (7' long, rated 3/8 - 1&1/2oz) with a Daiwa Ryoga 1016HL loaded with 25lb Sunline Castaway 1.5PE / 25lb.
Working a deep section, just tripped the lure along the bottom, like a baitfish feeding. Slow with pauses, a good take and hook up saw the first fish to put a bend in the rod. Once netted and onto the grassy bank, could see that this Pike was a new personal best for myself. A quick photo, and released nice and healthy back to the deeps.
As the day went on, made my way back to where I had my first fish, to see if any other were at home. Just when I was looking to call it a day, a strong take, and then the fish came alive, the new rod had a proper bend in it, and the drag on the Ryoga started to sing, something I don't hear very often! Four really powerful runs from this fish, definitely the best fight I have had from a Pike, and on the heaviest gear I have used for them. Up on the bank, yet again, my PB had improved (starting to think I need to take my scales with me now!).
Really pleased with how the session turned out, and a very promising start for the new Major Craft Volkey Big Lake rod. Next up will be the Volkey Bait Finesse, or maybe the KG Evolution Hirasuzuki, as I had a nice delivery come this week, with a particularly tidy reel which will be perfect for the 11'er - More on that to come soon!
Nice one mate, lovely pike.
ReplyDeleteYou could always try buying an unhooking mat, its what 15 quid
DeleteLooking at getting one to improve my Pike handling welfare - Any particular recommendations? Something compact and easily carried preferred. I like the look of the Savage Gear one, as it has the ruler printed on it for sizing. Cheers.
DeleteHi, what kind of wire trace do you use for pike with the soft lures?
ReplyDeleteThank you
For the heavier lures targeting Pike I use 25lb Knot 2 Kinky wire and crimp with Drennan Slim Crimps and a lure clip. When fishing for Perch, and there is a chance of Pike, I use Drennan Soft Strand (7 strand wire) in 10lb, and crimp as above.
DeletePlease use a unhooking mat and fishing from the rock's is not allowed ask the bailiffs, or read the rule's in the ticket office
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, I now use an unhooking mat following advice, and I will take a look at the rules in the ticket office again, as I usually pre-pay for my ticket online, so it has been a while since I was in there. When I next see a bayliff, I will double check my equipment is suitable, as I had one inspect my outfit, and he did not advise me with regards to fishing from the rocks, which I was doing at the time. Also feel free to comment under your own name, you don't have to remain anonymous.
DeleteSorry if I seem blunt. I just have the pikes welfare at heart and seeing a good pike laying on the ground in the photos above is upsetting. If you slipped making your way up the rocks carrying that pike its going to get damaged. Btw well done on the pb its a very good fish for the res. I dont like putting my name on the internet, I'll introduce myself at the res and I will show you some photos of some snags that might save you some lures.
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ReplyDelete