Scottish event was no passing Fad

Anything could happen on here in February. It really has incredible potential, it could do something really special.

That was the view from Scottish LO Scott Davidson after the PAC's first event on Loch Fad.

Thirty-nine pike, with the best a 23lbs 8oz fish to David Towle, were caught during a two day bash on the Isle of Bute. Scott and Jeff Adams - who made the long trip up from Oxford - also boated twenties.

"We did OK with the weather changing all the time," said Scott. "There were 39 pike caught but you can't grumble when one in 15 is a twenty."

David Towle went home a bottle of scotch to the better and was also awarded a free day's fishing by the management for the biggest fish.

Other visitors collected bottles of champagne, while the home made pea and ham soup which was dished out at the end of the day went down a storm.

"I had about four mugs of it," said Scott. "What was good was everyone really enjoyed the day and the management really enjoyed having us on there."

It's no secret Fad's done fish to 42lbs in recent seasons. PAC members have another chance at it on Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3. See Pikelines for details.

Record numbers applying for PAC events

We've got a record number of events over the course of the coming winter - and record numbers are applying to fish them.

It's no surprise which of the Pike Anglers Club's privileged access events is so far proving the most popular, with more than 60 pairs applying to fish the Lake of Menteith on Saturday, November 10.

Perhaps the 39lbs 8oz pike caught by a member at a PAC event on the water in March has had something to do with it - click here for picture.

Places for the day are limited to 29 pairs, so there will be a draw at the PAC Convention at Stoneleigh Park, on Saturday, September 22.

An additional date secured on March 1 is also over-subscribed and names will be drawn for this at the convention.

Places are still available at Quays Gravel Pit (Surrey, October 27/28), Llyn Brenig (N Wales, October 29/30), Loch Venacher (Scotland, November 11), Loch Fad (Isle of Bute, November 24/25), and Ecton Lakes (Northants, December 8/9).

These are all being run on a first come, first-served basis and applications are still coming in - so apply now to avoid disappointment.

Events organiser Mark Skinner said those who have already applied up until today - August 29 - have been successful and event packs will be posted out shortly. All events will carry a reserve list.

See Pikelines for full details on how to apply, ticket prices and rules. Click here for more info on Loch Fad.

Loch Fad dates confirmed for February

PAC members have two more days' fishing reserved on Loch Fad, special events organiser Mark Skinner said tonight.

We've now confirmed access to the water, on the Isle of Bute, over the weekend of Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3; 2008.

Mark said: "Slowly but surely our winter's calendar of events are coming together. We are especailly pleased to be able to offer our members a chance to fish Fad and our Scottish LO Scott Davidson has done a great job in ensuring we will be having two events on there.

"Loch Fad has been producing some very good fish and any members who decide to attend will be in with a chance of a fish of a lifetime."

Fad has produced pike topping 40lbs in recent seasons. Click here for previous stories on this blog.

Mark added places for the PAC's first events of season - access to Rutland Reservoir on Monday, September 24, two weeks before it opens for pike fishing - were selling fast.

"There are still boats available, but applications are coming in daily, so get those applications in now," he said.

Full details of how to apply were included in Pikelines, which PAC members received last week.

More events are likely to be announced soon. We are currently in talks with management at a private gravel pit complex in the East Midlands.

Loch Fad added to PAC events calender

A Scottish loch in a unique island setting, which has produced pike to over 40lbs, is set to welcome PAC members.

Special events organiser Mark Skinner said the club had four days booked on Loch Fad, on the Isle of Bute. Two of them will be in November, two in February.

November dates are the weekend of November 17/18, February dates will be announced when confirmed.

"We're very pleased to have negotiated access for the PAC," Mark said. "We are always looking to expand our calender of events, because they are very popular with members."

It's not hard to see why, with fish to 39lbs 8oz caught during club events last season. Lyn Baker's Menteith capture was the biggest pike ever caught by a female angler.

"When a new member comes to her first event and catches a fish like that, it sums up one thing the club's here for," said Mark.

"Any member can apply to fish one of our events and be in with a chance of catching a fish like that."

The Isle of Bute is reached by a car ferry and there is on-site accommodation. Mark said the club was hoping to negotiate a block booking and discount.

Usual PAC event rules will apply. Members can apply for places using the form in Pikelines and there will be a draw if the event is over-subscribed.

We'll be announcing several other waters as soon as details are confirmed.

Click here for more info on the water. Click here for a taste of Fad's pike potential. Click here for a picture of the loch record.