Our son Rob is very persuasive. Prior to visiting for a week
or so, he convinced me that my first fishing rod licence since 2019 and
membership of Exeter & District Angling Association were essential
December purchases. Also that I should dust off the piking gear and set aside
some time...
The last few days have been fun.
We caught ten pike. I was jammy enough to catch seven of them...
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We were surprised that this one weighed no more than 14lb. A bit skinny
and empty, it looks like it ought to carry at least another two or three
pounds.
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Another 14-pounder, but plump and nicely conditioned.
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Compare that last fish with this, another slim one but the biggest so
far, at 15lb 8oz.
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The 15lb 8oz fish again.
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Those three were all caught on our first visit to the venue last Friday
afternoon/evening, within the first four hours. At this rate we were all set
to empty the place. Well...obviously that didn't happen.
The next visit was more typical, though I did land the prettiest fish so
far...
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Just a jack, but as is so often the case with small pike, absolutely
immaculate.
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The Exeter Canal is about six miles long, and we explored around two-thirds of
that over four days, from above the Countess Wear bridge down to Turf Lock.
The piking potential is obvious, and in previous years (2016-2018) we have
landed six twenty pounders between us (four to Rob) up to
24lb 14oz. Both of us were a bit rusty, but it didn't seem to matter much.
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A lovely little jack for Rob today.
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Rob's biggest. Not weighed, but around 10lb or so. Another slim one.
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My first today.
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And our final pike of 2024, a beauty of 18lb and a few ounces
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The 18-pounder goes back.
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And away...
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Rob heads back to Switzerland in a couple of days, and I do wonder if my Exeter & District club ticket will see any more use before it expires. I would like to think so, but am conscious that the last few days have been as much about the company and the craic as the fishing. We'll see.
Some lean mean fighting machines there Gav, well done. Plus, you came out as top rod, it's good to keep the young 'uns in their place ;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. I did feel guilty catching three doubles in four hours right next my blanking son, but only a little bit. 😄
DeleteGav, they are some lovely looking Pike. I would assume that water clarity is pretty good because of their vivid patternation. Great stuff - wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2025. All the best - Dyl
ReplyDeleteCheers Dyl, the same to you. 👍
DeleteThe Exeter Canal is usually gin clear, so yes, its pike are really nicely marked as a rule.
Snow pike...
ReplyDeleteThat would have been very nice, but the snowflakes are flash reflections from droplets of persistent drizzle. To be honest, not sure I could handle the temperatures that bring snow these days...
DeleteSome great pike there - and lots of them. Hope you get out a few more times over the winter - good luck
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian, I hope so too. Although it's been a few years since I last did much angling, I still find big pike are just as awesome as ever!
DeleteGreat results Gav. Of course, Rob need not be reminded that you remain in possession of, 'natural superior skill'. Something that I can testify to from almost five decades back.
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Rob once thrashed me on the Kennet. He bagged up on barbel while I had to jump in the river - twice! - to rescue my rod that had been pulled in, and caught nothing! Natural superior skill deserted me that time. A rare event of course! 😄
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