Live-baiting ‘The Big Issue’ – Alan Dudhill
Some anglers and clubs find it difficult to accept the use of live baits and yet this is the most natural form of prey for many species of fish including pike, perch, zander, eels, chub and even carp. Some may argue that it’s cruel to put hooks into a live fish and have it swim [...]
Gassed-up Pike – Alan Dudhill
The term ‘gassed-up’ basically means that the pike is full of excess gas when landed. This is something which I’ve found to be a very rare occurrence but the consequences can be fatal for the fish. There are three main signs that a pike may be gassed-up. The two most obvious signs may be visible [...]
Piking In The Dark – Alan Dudhill
It’s a common myth that pike cannot see well enough in the dark to feed at night. As with all predators, the pike’s sensory organs are very advanced, which gives them the edge over their prey, hence why even blind pike have no problem striking at an individual fish amongst a shoal. Some waters are [...]
Locating Big Pike – Alan Dudhill
To catch big pike you’ve first got to locate them. Easier said than done on some waters, particularly the larger ones. Many variable factors effect the location of big pike but a few factors remains the same; their primary objectives are survival, feeding & reproduction. Once you understand a little about the pike’s objectives, you [...]
Piking Basics – Monster Pike by Alan Dudhill
I fished all season last year from October to March fishing waters from Cumbria to the Norfolk Broads and although I caught 55 doubles, I still only managed to catch one 20 pounder. This was a particularly unlucky season but it does demonstrate that 20s are rarer than you might think. Few pike will ever [...]
2011- Mid September Blog
You know I hate to rush these blogs but sometimes I get my fishing head on and need to be spending more time on the bank than bashing away on a keyboard so I’m sure you’ll understand. Checking round the other bloggers doesn’t give me much inspiration, mind. They’re either all lazy or they’re catching [...]
Fishing In Ireland 2011
Lough Derg, Ireland, 2011 “What would it take to tempt you to come over and fish Lough Derg?” Said the email. “I suppose an invitation would be a good starting point!” Was my reply. Lorraine Tully rents out three fabulous properties on the shores of Lough Derg, near Whitegates, in Ireland’s Shannon Region, a location [...]
While My Float’s Still Cocked – An Extract
While My Float’s Still Cocked – An Extract Every now and then an opportunity comes your way that you cannot possibly turn down. This is one of them. Maurice J Pledger, ‘Mole’ to his friends, is on the verge of publishing a new book, ‘While My Float’s Still Cocked’ and I’m proud to announce that he’s [...]
Tales Of The Riverbank – Part 15
In which Bob Roberts continues to share tales from his angling life. Chapter 15 looks at a few of the many sessions he has shared with top angler Matt Hayes… Days With Hayes – What An Expert Can Do… Matt Hayes and I were good friends long before he rose to his exalted position in [...]
From Carbology to Zangling – Lee Swords
I love fishing the Trent; it is a passion of mine that has never waned but often wandered, sometimes far off the beaten track of accepted wisdom and common practice. For as long as I can remember I have always kept an open mind in regards to the species of fish I am supposed to [...]
