Brrrrr... There's going to be a seriously Siberian feel to the weather over New Year.
So if you're one of those people who thinks pike fishing's better in the cold, you're going to be in your element.
Forecasters reckon temperatures could dip to nearly minus 10 over the next few days.
Click here for one of many weather stories.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Pike Anglers Club events update
Get out your diaries... There are still some places available on a number of PAC access events between now and the end of the season.
They include the Warping Drain (Lincs) on Saturday, February 7; Hykeham Pit (Lincs) on the weekend of February 14/15; Ecton Jigsaw Lake (Northants) on Saturday, Fenruary 21 and Saturday, March 14; and Quays Pit (Surrey) over the weekend of March 21/22.
Application slips with details of ticket prices were included in the last Pikelines.
Events organiser Mark Skinner said: "If you have lost your slips for these events, all you need to do is write your name, address on a sheet of paper include your PAC number the event you are applying for and a cheque payable to the PAC for the number of tickets required and an A5 stamped address envelope."
They include the Warping Drain (Lincs) on Saturday, February 7; Hykeham Pit (Lincs) on the weekend of February 14/15; Ecton Jigsaw Lake (Northants) on Saturday, Fenruary 21 and Saturday, March 14; and Quays Pit (Surrey) over the weekend of March 21/22.
Application slips with details of ticket prices were included in the last Pikelines.
Events organiser Mark Skinner said: "If you have lost your slips for these events, all you need to do is write your name, address on a sheet of paper include your PAC number the event you are applying for and a cheque payable to the PAC for the number of tickets required and an A5 stamped address envelope."
Scientists seek answers over eel decline
A £2.5m European study is under way in a bid to find our more about the breeding habits of the eel and why the species is in sharp decline.
Click here for more.
Click here for more.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Membership Reminder
All September, November and December 2008 expiring memberships have received reminders.
If you have forgotten to renew please click on this link http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/joining.html and rejoin, we need your support.
Regards
John Cahill
Membership Secretary
If you have forgotten to renew please click on this link http://www.pacgb.co.uk/aboutpac/joining.html and rejoin, we need your support.
Regards
John Cahill
Membership Secretary
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
MPs to be lobbied over fish baits loophole
While plans to outlaw the killing of coarse fish for food were included in the Marine Bill set to become law next year, the use of fish as bait by anglers seeking predatory species was excluded.
Today the Eastern Daily Press reports an as-yet un-named individual or group is set to lobby MPs in the new year - presumably to prhobit the use of fish for bait.
EA by-laws currently allow anglers to use fish up to 10cm long in most regions provided they are caught from the venue on the day.
Today the Eastern Daily Press reports an as-yet un-named individual or group is set to lobby MPs in the new year - presumably to prhobit the use of fish for bait.
EA by-laws currently allow anglers to use fish up to 10cm long in most regions provided they are caught from the venue on the day.
Fishing for Big Pike - the return
Barrie Rickards has re-written 70s classic Fishing for Big Pike, which he famously co-authored with the late Ray Webb.
Cambridgeshire-based Barrie, a founder member of the PAC, revolutionised the sport when he first penned his theories about hotspots on Fen drains and the effects of air pressure on pike fishing.
Medlar Press are tipped to publish the book next autumn.
Cambridgeshire-based Barrie, a founder member of the PAC, revolutionised the sport when he first penned his theories about hotspots on Fen drains and the effects of air pressure on pike fishing.
Medlar Press are tipped to publish the book next autumn.
Merry Christmas from all at the PAC
Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year - and may your next run be a monster if you're lucky enough to be out pike fishing over the holidays.
Looking back over a busy year for the club, 2009 already looks to be another one.
Please do all you can to help us spread the word. We've made some real strides over the last 30 years or so, but there's plenty more to be done when it comes to safeguarding the pike and pike fishing.
Looking back over a busy year for the club, 2009 already looks to be another one.
Please do all you can to help us spread the word. We've made some real strides over the last 30 years or so, but there's plenty more to be done when it comes to safeguarding the pike and pike fishing.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
EU set to impose quotas on sea anglers
Some pike anglers buy their sea deadbaits, others catch their own, while many more enjoy the odd sea fishing trip.
Today it emerged the European Union wants to impose catch quotas and ban anglers from selling their catches.
EU officials believe sea angling is now so popular that anglers could have an impact on species like cod and ling.
Defra has confirmed it plans to hold talks with angling organisations next month, today's Sunday Times reports.
Click here to read the report in full.
Today it emerged the European Union wants to impose catch quotas and ban anglers from selling their catches.
EU officials believe sea angling is now so popular that anglers could have an impact on species like cod and ling.
Defra has confirmed it plans to hold talks with angling organisations next month, today's Sunday Times reports.
Click here to read the report in full.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sign up and help the RNLI
Sea angling friends have asked us to pass this on - please spare a second or two to sign their petition.
Lifeboat crews fear being scuppered by crippling new charges for using their radios from Ofcom, the communications regulator. The RNLI could see the price of using its VHF emergency frequencies rise to £250,000 under plans to charge the full commercial rate.
The charity, which saves hundreds of lives every year, currently pays an annual £48,000 at a discounted rate of 50 per cent. It relies on donations and fears the move will have a disastrous impact on fundraising.
Peter Bradley, RNLI operations staff officer, said: "It's a lot of money when you think in terms of lifeboat days and little old ladies collecting pound coins. We could buy several inshore lifeboats for the same amount.
"The Government rely on us to provide this search-and-rescue service, at a cost of £124 million a year, but they want to charge us for doing it. Ofcom has set out plans to bring 'market forces' into maritime and civil aviation communications in a policy it calls Administered Incentive Pricing.
"£250,000 represents an awful lot of charity collections, even more so in the current economic climate so, if like me you feel strongly enough about this, please sign the petition below."
Click here to sign it.
Lifeboat crews fear being scuppered by crippling new charges for using their radios from Ofcom, the communications regulator. The RNLI could see the price of using its VHF emergency frequencies rise to £250,000 under plans to charge the full commercial rate.
The charity, which saves hundreds of lives every year, currently pays an annual £48,000 at a discounted rate of 50 per cent. It relies on donations and fears the move will have a disastrous impact on fundraising.
Peter Bradley, RNLI operations staff officer, said: "It's a lot of money when you think in terms of lifeboat days and little old ladies collecting pound coins. We could buy several inshore lifeboats for the same amount.
"The Government rely on us to provide this search-and-rescue service, at a cost of £124 million a year, but they want to charge us for doing it. Ofcom has set out plans to bring 'market forces' into maritime and civil aviation communications in a policy it calls Administered Incentive Pricing.
"£250,000 represents an awful lot of charity collections, even more so in the current economic climate so, if like me you feel strongly enough about this, please sign the petition below."
Click here to sign it.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Deesox - a different kind of pike blog
Meet Deesox - aka Dave Edwards, a thinking man's kind of fishing blogger from Cheshire, with some interesting observations on fly fishing for pike and other species.
More and more PAC members are blogging these days and you can keep in touch with all of them if you set up an RSS feed reader on your computer.
Make sure you add Dave and the some of the other bloggers we come across, or save them to your favourites for those slow Friday afternoons at work.
Click here to go to Deesox.
More and more PAC members are blogging these days and you can keep in touch with all of them if you set up an RSS feed reader on your computer.
Make sure you add Dave and the some of the other bloggers we come across, or save them to your favourites for those slow Friday afternoons at work.
Click here to go to Deesox.
Pike and Predators - new issue out
January's Pike and Predators has hit the news stands. And we've been sent a sneak preview.
Simon Everett explores a new way of getting afloat for pike
Phil Blakey tackles the thorny issue of the best conditions for catching pike with lures
Mike Kelly explains some of the tactics he uses to place the odds more firmly in his favour
Neville Fickling reports on the latest happenings on the trout-water pike scene and tries to put the problems with Irish piking into perspective
George Higgins is interviewed about his long and successful pike fishing career
James Holgate suggests you throw away the rule book when it comes to catching pike on lures in the colder months
Graham Booth delves into the history books to ask why pike have exerted such a fascination on so many anglers
Plus, we ask whether your life jacket would really save your life?
Simon Everett explores a new way of getting afloat for pike
Phil Blakey tackles the thorny issue of the best conditions for catching pike with lures
Mike Kelly explains some of the tactics he uses to place the odds more firmly in his favour
Neville Fickling reports on the latest happenings on the trout-water pike scene and tries to put the problems with Irish piking into perspective
George Higgins is interviewed about his long and successful pike fishing career
James Holgate suggests you throw away the rule book when it comes to catching pike on lures in the colder months
Graham Booth delves into the history books to ask why pike have exerted such a fascination on so many anglers
Plus, we ask whether your life jacket would really save your life?
Government pledges £1.56m to angling
Press Release from the Angling Development Board
Angling has received a £1.56 million boost this week as Sport England announced its plans to support the Governing Body to deliver angling opportunities for all over the next four years.
Last summer the Angling Development Board (ADB) was invited by Sport England to demonstrate how angling could contribute to government targets of increasing participation in active sport, especially through encouraging young people and retaining them as active participants as they grow older. Sport England also wanted to develop the talent pool of anglers trying to compete at international level and proposals to improve anglers’ satisfaction with the management of their sport: a process already underway with the formation of the Angling Trust.
David Moore, Chairman of the ADB explained. ‘The ADB responded to Sport England’s challenge with a package of proposals to grow and sustain the sport of angling. Our Plan is based on a vast amount of market research, much of it from the Environment Agency’s data from millions of rod licences and information held by Sport England right back to an NOP survey 40 years ago.
‘The first area identified was the problem of young people who are introduced to the sport but are not converted into long-term anglers. Other sports have much better links between schools, coaches, clubs and facilities whereas these are widely fragmented in angling. The funding package from Sport England will help start a regional development network which can access local and regional funding and bring schools, clubs, coaches and facilities together.
“After six months’ hard work by the ADB team, the timing of this announcement coincides perfectly with the transition of the ADB into the newly constituted Angling Trust during 2009. We are already making good progress in achieving Sport England’s recognition of The Angling Trust as the Governing Body for angling in England.’
The ADB plans to start recruiting Regional Development Officers and details will be available on our website www.anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk during February.
Angling has received a £1.56 million boost this week as Sport England announced its plans to support the Governing Body to deliver angling opportunities for all over the next four years.
Last summer the Angling Development Board (ADB) was invited by Sport England to demonstrate how angling could contribute to government targets of increasing participation in active sport, especially through encouraging young people and retaining them as active participants as they grow older. Sport England also wanted to develop the talent pool of anglers trying to compete at international level and proposals to improve anglers’ satisfaction with the management of their sport: a process already underway with the formation of the Angling Trust.
David Moore, Chairman of the ADB explained. ‘The ADB responded to Sport England’s challenge with a package of proposals to grow and sustain the sport of angling. Our Plan is based on a vast amount of market research, much of it from the Environment Agency’s data from millions of rod licences and information held by Sport England right back to an NOP survey 40 years ago.
‘The first area identified was the problem of young people who are introduced to the sport but are not converted into long-term anglers. Other sports have much better links between schools, coaches, clubs and facilities whereas these are widely fragmented in angling. The funding package from Sport England will help start a regional development network which can access local and regional funding and bring schools, clubs, coaches and facilities together.
“After six months’ hard work by the ADB team, the timing of this announcement coincides perfectly with the transition of the ADB into the newly constituted Angling Trust during 2009. We are already making good progress in achieving Sport England’s recognition of The Angling Trust as the Governing Body for angling in England.’
The ADB plans to start recruiting Regional Development Officers and details will be available on our website www.anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk during February.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hear, hear - US site on pike lure sounds
We've all heard of buzzbaits and lures which are designed to kick out vibes to attract the pike.
Now Mepps have put some audio clips on their website, to give you an idea of how different lures make different noises.
"It's pretty easy to see the flash of a Mepps spinner blade as it's pulled through the water, but hearing just what it sounds like has been a well kept secret up until now," the site says.
"It took us a while, but we've managed to digitally capture the sound of several Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. And, what we recorded even managed to surprise us.
"Remember, what you are about to hear are the actual sounds produced by Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. These sounds have not been enhanced or altered in any way. We make no claim as to how fish interpret these sounds, but fish do hear them."
Of its Aglia "Musky Killer" spinner, it adds: "The sound of the #5 Aglia blade is steady and deep with a rapid repetitive thump. The Magnum Musky Killer blade sounds similar, but, the thump is deeper and slower.
"Both sound like a slow moving locomotive, and both are very easy to hear underwater."
Click here to go to the sound clips, then just roll you cursor over each spinner to hear what it sounds like.
Now Mepps have put some audio clips on their website, to give you an idea of how different lures make different noises.
"It's pretty easy to see the flash of a Mepps spinner blade as it's pulled through the water, but hearing just what it sounds like has been a well kept secret up until now," the site says.
"It took us a while, but we've managed to digitally capture the sound of several Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. And, what we recorded even managed to surprise us.
"Remember, what you are about to hear are the actual sounds produced by Mepps spinners as they are retrieved. These sounds have not been enhanced or altered in any way. We make no claim as to how fish interpret these sounds, but fish do hear them."
Of its Aglia "Musky Killer" spinner, it adds: "The sound of the #5 Aglia blade is steady and deep with a rapid repetitive thump. The Magnum Musky Killer blade sounds similar, but, the thump is deeper and slower.
"Both sound like a slow moving locomotive, and both are very easy to hear underwater."
Click here to go to the sound clips, then just roll you cursor over each spinner to hear what it sounds like.
PAC forums - are you missing out..?
Bite indication on the Ouse when it's pushing through, should gags be outlawed and the best kind of life jacket or flotation device for fishing afloat.
These were three of the most-debated topics on the PAC's Members Forums tonight, as membership neared the 700 mark and we checked our stats and found we'd had more than 2.6m page views.
All kinds of bait, lure and even fly fishing are covered. The forums also provide members with a quick and easy way to interact with the club's regional organisers and committee.
Members ask why we don't do more to promote the forums. They've got a point.
So if you're a member of the club and you haven't already signed up, why not join and have a look at what you're missing.
Just click on the Message Board link on the main PAC website and follow the instructions to register - NB you need to use your full name as your sign-in and include your PAC membership number, which we need to check before confirming your account.
These were three of the most-debated topics on the PAC's Members Forums tonight, as membership neared the 700 mark and we checked our stats and found we'd had more than 2.6m page views.
All kinds of bait, lure and even fly fishing are covered. The forums also provide members with a quick and easy way to interact with the club's regional organisers and committee.
Members ask why we don't do more to promote the forums. They've got a point.
So if you're a member of the club and you haven't already signed up, why not join and have a look at what you're missing.
Just click on the Message Board link on the main PAC website and follow the instructions to register - NB you need to use your full name as your sign-in and include your PAC membership number, which we need to check before confirming your account.
Eel come to your meeting and do a talk
One stall that drew plenty of interest at this year's Pike Anglers Club Convention was the National Anguilla Club.
Now they're offering to bring their roadshow along to any PAC region looking for an evening's eel fishing-themed entertainment
Travel might be an issue in more far-flung areas, but the NAC's Dave Smith says get in touch to see if they can arrange attendance.
They're not looking to charge - though a few quid towards the fuel bill would probably be welcome.
Founded in 1962, the NAC is one of the few predator angling groups which are even older than the PAC.
If you're looking to find out more about fishing for one of this most mysterious of fish, click here to check out their website.
To invite the roadshow, e-mail Dave Smith at webmaster@nationalanguillaclub.co.uk .
Now they're offering to bring their roadshow along to any PAC region looking for an evening's eel fishing-themed entertainment
Travel might be an issue in more far-flung areas, but the NAC's Dave Smith says get in touch to see if they can arrange attendance.
They're not looking to charge - though a few quid towards the fuel bill would probably be welcome.
Founded in 1962, the NAC is one of the few predator angling groups which are even older than the PAC.
If you're looking to find out more about fishing for one of this most mysterious of fish, click here to check out their website.
To invite the roadshow, e-mail Dave Smith at webmaster@nationalanguillaclub.co.uk .
ET Roadshow rolls into King's Lynn
Eddie Turner will be bringing the ET Roadshow to King's Lynn on Saturday, for a day of demos at Steve Younger's Specialist Angling Supplies.
There'll be tackle displays, book signings and even a barbecue. Steve will also be offering a 20% discount on tackle in his shop all day.
It's being held at Unit 15, Hamburg Way, on the North Lynn Industrial Estate, Kings Lynn PE30 2ND.
Click here for map and more info.
There'll be tackle displays, book signings and even a barbecue. Steve will also be offering a 20% discount on tackle in his shop all day.
It's being held at Unit 15, Hamburg Way, on the North Lynn Industrial Estate, Kings Lynn PE30 2ND.
Click here for map and more info.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The best pike fishery in all England..?
Bristol Water today published an end of year round-up for its trout waters, including pike catches from Chew Valley Reservoir.
"A total of 21 fish weighing over 30 pounds were captured, the biggest being a huge fish of 36.12 landed by Shaun Hoskins," it said.
"And another 127 twenty pounders were also landed perhaps confirming what many think - that Chew Valley is the best pike fishery in England."
Dates for boat and bank fishing for next year, together with booking details are included in local paper the Weston Mercury.
Click here for more details.
"A total of 21 fish weighing over 30 pounds were captured, the biggest being a huge fish of 36.12 landed by Shaun Hoskins," it said.
"And another 127 twenty pounders were also landed perhaps confirming what many think - that Chew Valley is the best pike fishery in England."
Dates for boat and bank fishing for next year, together with booking details are included in local paper the Weston Mercury.
Click here for more details.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Pike filmed in its element
More and more video clips of pike filmed in their element are appearing on Youtube these days.
Click here to see a pike back pedal slowly as two divers approach it, before it slinks off and sulks almost motionless on the bottom as a shoal of prey swim past seemingly oblivious to its presence.
Click here to see a pike back pedal slowly as two divers approach it, before it slinks off and sulks almost motionless on the bottom as a shoal of prey swim past seemingly oblivious to its presence.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Matching the hatch lures pit 20 for Matt
Matt Hayes lands a 23lbs pike from an Oxfordshire gravel pit on a drifted rudd bait in this video clip from YouTube.
Click here to view it.
Click here to view it.
Big pike pictures on French blog
This French catch and release blog has pictures of some seriously big pike from all corners of Europe.
Check out this fish - with a claimed weight of 21.5kg (just under 47lbs 6oz...) making it higher than the current 46lbs 13oz British record. Not sure what the gnome on the end's doing.
Click here to see the blog, which today features PAC member and acclaimed UK pike hinter Mick Brown..
Check out this fish - with a claimed weight of 21.5kg (just under 47lbs 6oz...) making it higher than the current 46lbs 13oz British record. Not sure what the gnome on the end's doing.
Click here to see the blog, which today features PAC member and acclaimed UK pike hinter Mick Brown..
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