Pike Angling In The UK

Pike over the years, here in the UK have had a pretty rough time. With the pike culls that were carried out on many waters including the local canals. In the late 1970's and early 80's. It was believed that pike had somewhat become over populated on many waters and needed to culled. They were caught and slung on banks all over country.

I believe the water-board, who have now been replaced by the Environment Agency. Were responsible of scare mongering amongst match anglers, saying that poor match weights were a direct result of an over population of pike.

Great numbers of pike were decimated. Did these actions make match weights increase? Maybe to certain extent. But certain waters became perch infested, the cull didn't have the desired effect. Needless to say the pike survived.

Some match catches contained nothing but perch, these greedy little scavengers prevented the silver fish from feeding, some specimen perch of over 5lb did get reported, but the average perch ranged from 6oz to about 1lb in weight.

This maybe taught some anglers an important lesson, nature has it's own way of balancing things out. Take away one predator, then another on becomes more prolific. In a lot of countries people eat perch, the UK isn't one of them.

Over the last 20 years, pike have regained their numbers in a lot of waters, but some anglers still ill treat pike and throw smaller ones on the bank.

The number of Pike anglers in the UK has increased somewhat over the years and a lot of specimen pike are often caught. These anglers have protested somewhat at the terrible treatment that pike still get subjected to. Anglers fishing for pike, ill equipped without the right tackle.

Pike are a wonderful fish and offer some wonderful sport especially throughout the winter. These predatory fish are an absolute joy to catch and should be treated with care

Unless your a seasoned pro, the best way to unhook a pike. Is to lay it on its side on your unhooking mat. Then straddle it so it's in between your knees, then feel under its chin and you will find a recess. If it doesn't open it's mouth just bend your fingers slightly and it will open its mouth.

You will need a strong pair of 10 inch forceps and a bit of care. Unhooking will be an easy uncomplicated affair, for both you and the fish.

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