Each winter, pike anglers venture to the legendary Chew Valley Lake with dreams of encountering one of its huge pike. On a recent trip, Rich Collins managed to do just that when he landed this fish of 31lb exactly.
Fishing a smelt deadbait, Rich had a take lifted into a heavy fish that fought intensely, making explosive lunges and tail-walking. It snagged him in some reeds and, knowing he could well be attached to something special, Rich was left with no choice other than to wade through the reedbed, rod in hand and followed by his friend with the net, to try and free it. Water began to spill over the top of his waders, but eventually they eased the fish out. After a few more powerful lunges, the huge specimen lay in the net, making all Rich’s wet feet worthwhile!
Well done Rich!