Winter Pike Fishing
Winter is when all the 'traditionalist pike anglers' start to emerge.
For many years it was thought that winter was the best time to catch pike - i.e. using natural live and dead baits. We now know that is not 100% true - as many of the largest pike landed/boated here in the UK, were caught on artificial lures - during the summer and winter months.
I do love to sit and relax behind a couple of bait rods come winter though - hoping and praying for the pike of a lifetime to take the bait. The winding down and striking into what feels like a submerged log, can only be described as a very 'hair-raising' experience.
Without doubt, rivers and broads tend to be far more productive than still waters during the colder months.
Rivers and broads are turned over far more than still waters - hence, more fish movement.
The more fish move during the winter months, all the more chance of catching numbers of pike.
Tidal rivers are even more productive than non tidal rivers during the winter months - that being due to the fact that pike often have to reposition themselves when the tide turns.
Fishing dead baits near a bottom contour change can be very productive on a turn tide, as that is the time the pike will reposition themselves in the flow - i.e. to face into the flow.
Do not dismiss lure fishing during the colder months as it can be very productive at times.
Deep working lures are a must - i.e. to search out pike that are laying lifeless on the bottom.
Slow techniques are a must to get lethargic, cold water pike, to follow and strike.
Without doubt, winter is a great time for relaxing behind a couple of bait rods and sipping a cup of nice hot tea, coffee or soup. Many of my clients like to stop off at midday during the winter months for a pub lunch and warm up.
Should you decide to having a trip out with me during the winter months, make sure you come prepared for the worst. As the old say goes; you can always take a layer of clothing off, but you can't put an extra layer on - i.e. if you don't have extra layers with you.
I look forward to meeting up with you this winter.
Tight Lines!
Clients: Jason & Neil
Come prepared for the worst!