All Things Piscatorial

Toothy Tales!

 

It was a cold February Morning when we arrived at the lake to set up for a Fish for Jaws program at Broadlands Lake.  We carried the gear to our selected swims in the Blackwater Bay area and started to arrange the shelter and tackle.  We chose this area of the lake as it is a known Pike hotspot and over the past fifteen years that I have fished Broadlands it has always been productive.  It didn’t take long for the first Pike to show, large swirls could be seen all over the bay with the occasional Pike crashing out of the water as they chased shoals of bait fish.  Things were looking good and I had the feeling we were in for a good day.

 

We set up the tackle which is all the latest from Shakespeare and sat back and had a cuppa while we waited for the group to arrive.  Our tackle included six plug rods, six live bait rods, landing nets, unhooking mats, rucksacks and weigh slings.  Our belief at For Life Experiences is that no corners should be cut, resulting in only the best tackle used and everyone having access to all the equipment they would need if they were to go to the lake and fish by themselves.  I sat there with Larry, one of my tutors, watching the Pike showing all over the bay, filled with excitement and hope.

 

The group arrived at around 10 am.  I greeted them at the ticket hut and showed them to the swim.  The group had come from the Portsmouth area and were obviously excited to be offered the chance to learn to fish.  After introducing the group to Larry and looking over the Medical forms we sat them down with a hot cup of soup and briefed them on the day ahead.  After covering all the site and safety information we then moved on to explain about the tackle we were going to use and about the Pikes feeding habits.  ‘How big do you think the pike grow in here?’ I asked.  Hands started to measure between a foot and two foot.  Would you believe me if I said that the Pike in here grow as long as you are high?  ‘No way!’ came the reply.   I then pulled out a picture of a massive Pike caught from the lake and you could see in the groups faces that they really wanted to get out there and catch Jaws!

 

After showing the group how to cast safely and efficiently they all had a turn to practice.  All five did exceptionally well and it was soon time to hand out the spinning rods and test the water.

 

The entire group mastered casting and retrieving the lures, looking like they had been fishing for years after just half an hour.  Although the group were working the lures in the right manner and the Pike continued to show, it was obvious that a change of tactics was needed to fool the Pike.

 

We had a drink break and while the group had a relax we arranged the live bait rods and got ready for round two!  After explaining how to bait the hooks and a look at the rigs it was time for everyone to pick a swim and start to fish.  It took only ten minutes before Molly’s float sailed under.  The group gathered with anticipation while the Pike was given time to turn the bait.  The line started to tighten and Molly closed the bail arm and set the hooks.  The rod bent over as the fish tried its hardest to avoid capture.  Molly looked like a professional though and guided the fish to the waiting net while the group applauded her capture.  As the fish lay on the mat I explained how to unhook a pike and showed them the huge mouth and teeth.  At around eight pounds it made Molly’s day and had everyone casting out with even more determination and focus to catch one themselves.

 

The next take came to John.  He had been extremely patient and although he did everything right, he struck and the hooks pulled.  He took this set-back well though and soon had Afro Man Two (everyone names their bait!) in the water trying to entice another Pike.  After five minutes Danny had a take on his rod which he had cast out far into the bay.  After a hard fight a cracking Pike lay at the bottom of the net. This fish was around ten pounds and looked in perfect winter condition.  After a few photos the fish was slipped back to fight another day.

 

 Unfortunately we were nearing the end of the three hour session but I had one last trick up my sleeve.  The group wound in and walked around the bay to a large reedy area.  We only had fifteen minutes before they had to leave but I had a feeling that a last minute move may pay of.  The baits were flicked out and after only a few minutes John’s float sailed away.  After a spirited fight, and with the help of Jack kindly helping John, the third fish of the day was bought to the bank. 

 

Before the group left we had one last surprise for them.  To reward them for their patience, focus, determination and efforts everyone received a For Life Experience goody bag, filled with wall charts, information, free sun visor and details of our fishing support line.  We also handed out Shakespeare pole sets to everyone.  The look on the group’s faces said it all and they left the lake with a smile on their faces, fishing gifts and stories of monster Pike to tell their friends and families! 

 

I would like to finish this article by thanking Jack and Abe for all their efforts. Although they were not lucky enough to catch a Pike on this occasion they both gave 100% throughout the whole day. 

 

Even though it was cold and windy they stayed focused and determined.  Well done lads!

 

If you would like more information about our Fish for Jaws programs then please visit the program page of our website.

 

Tight Lines

 

Graham Mabey