Bristol PAC - Region 25 of the Pike Anglers Club

APRIL BRISTOL MEETING - Andy Cowley speaking on "Nile Perch from Murchison Falls & The Nile in Uganda"

2007-04-12T19:46:00.000Z

APRIL BRISTOL MEETINGWED 25 APRIL at 7.30 for 8pm in Filton.
"Nile Perch from Murchison Falls & The Nile in Uganda".

The photo above is of local big fish specialist Andy Cowley with a 158 lb Nile Perch caught recently.

Andy has been catching big predators, carp and barbel since the 1970s and has travelled extensively abroad catching big catfish, mahseer and nile perch.

This talk and video presentation on Wed 25 April in Filton will be about some very challenging and dangerous fishing he has been doing over the last 2 years in Uganda catching Nile Perch to 158lb on lures, livebaits and deadbaits.

And coping with hazards like elephants, hippos and crocs sharing the river alongside the anglers! An unforgettable, ultimate, angling experience for anyone who wants to catch fish with sharp teeth!

Venue: The Ratepayers Arms, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7PS. Tel: 01454 866697.
To find the Ratepayers Arms you go past the big roundabout on the A38 into Bristol at Filton and turn left at the mini roundabout next to the big Methodist Church on the left. Go past the church on the left and 200m in front of you will see a large building which is Filton Leisure Centre. The pub The Ratepayers Arms is on the left hand side on the back of the sports centre. Park in the car park. The Bristol PAC meeting is in the skittle alley.

Martyn Cattermole - Regional Organiser, Bristol. Email: bristolpac@cunac.com. Tel Mob: 077 859 462 66. Website: See http://www.bristolpac.blogspot.com/ for up to date news & info on Bristol PAC and what fish our members are catching.

Dave Skingsley

2007-03-01T20:05:00.000Z

“A NEW VENUE - LOOK AND LEARN , IT PAYS OFF”

I called in to see my best mate, Steve Clark Tuesday 5th December 06, He joined the PAC 08/06, {Llangdedfedd…Failed again} Pike Angling came up “ Fancy looking at a few lakes tomorrow? Chuck some gear in just in case?”I was “Iffy”, as I tend to plan ahead, he phoned me a few hours later, well, he talked me into it !{Was not that hard….Really}

For some reason, I could not sleep too well that night, just as well Steve offered to drive.Well , he picked me up at 9 am, loaded some gear, and took off. We arrived at the “Cotswold water park” at about 10 am. So many lakes, I used to fly Gliders, and remember seeing them from 1,000 feet, take my word, There are more than a few! Well, we had a walk/ drive round 3 lakes, and decided to give one a go.

We started fishing …Well late in my book, @ 11.30 am, I do not know about you/ readers, I seem to catch my Pike Between 10 am +12 noon.I fished a wind swept corner, almost like a bay, in 7/8 feet of water.2 rods, both on alarms, 1 float/ 2nd Free line.{Before anyone comes back on the free line issue, I use large sea type swivels/ and links. They act as weights, but allow bait to sit on/above weed, not pull bait out of sight}.

Well, Steve had 2 pike within the First 2 Hours, And I am not being belittling small about 1.5 +2 Lbs each, both caught close in, one of which had a 6.5 inch bite radius marks along its sides !I returned to my swim,, changed a , now tatty Red Mullet , for a mackerel head on the right float rod. I threw the old bait in, it hit a tree, and fell 2 feet from the banks edge . Now I thought, “This day is not going well” ! I paid a quick visit to see how Steve was getting on, and noticed a small pike not more than 2 feet from the banks edge.{By the way, Steve was close, and I was within 15 seconds from my rods, with alarms turned up to full}.

A minute later I sat down, okay, lets try the “Have a Sandwich Ploy”, at this Brand new venue, Strange… Before opening my Lunch box, the old Red Mullet I chucked in was moving !I stood up, and would you credit it, I saw a ~~ 5 Lb pike had it in its Jaws, on standing it shot off towards my float rod.{On the right, near a sunken tree}.Okay, I thought, lets chuck the left rod out again, from long to close range.{ Both rods “Dragon” pike power bait casters 3 LBTest, 20 lb Braid, size 10 tandem trebles}I cast to my left, wound in and put the Mackerel Tail bait near a sunken tree branch.Imagine my surprise, 6 minutes later !The left hand rod went off like hell, I wound down, and pulled in………, the rod was in at least half of full Compression, and lucky for me what ever it was, went out, not in, in a large Deliberate curve, now back winding, I “Politely” asked Steve to wander along.

Which he did, {Well he was trying to tuck some other tackle away, as I caught him at a …. Bad time , I will not dwell on that, as kids may be reading} !My swim was a tad “Slippery”, so I had to stay away/ stand back. Steve had the net, and advised me to wind in, lift rod, walk back, which I did.

6 Minutes later……..So I could not see the fish, Steve could, ….. He uttered the words “Dave this is your “PB Mate”, is a big pike”.Being a cool team, as a whole, He landed it for me, I thought the same as him, “Yes over 25 LB, “.She was unhooked no problem, As I was shaking a bit, like no one does when catching a pike, he got the camera, while I rested her in L/Net in water.

On weighing, “She “ was 20 Lb 8oz, it did look bigger, but I am Pleased of a result on a first time Venue, I saw what Steve Caught and used it to my advantage, and he landed and Photographed it for me too.I hope to have a photograph soon, but I am sure you will agree,Not bad for an unplanned trip/ new venue. What you think?The “True Story”, I am not a writer, But I enjoyed the moment, all I wish to do , is Share it. ………………………………………………………………………………

Also, As I {+ many anglers} do, wish to save money, What you think of this:If one “Roams” a lot , 2 rods / Stalking…How much do you all pay for “Proper Rod Bands”, from your local Tackle Shop?I suggest £ 5.00{Set of 4 = 2 rods}.

Forget it, 6 feet 6 inches{2 metres} of “Velcro” Does 12 rods , top and bottom. £2.80p ! For extra Protection I use Central heating pipe lagging 60 odd pence per metre{ Etc ..in English Imperial values}

As a matter of fact is safer for your gear, and “WE” AS Anglers are not left out of pocket !I use it, try it, save cash for more Bait, Etc….. ! Dave Skingsley{ An Angler of 45 Years , I am Sad to Say !}Or Just an old Fart.Dave.

Pike Tackle - Some Advice & Guidance

2007-03-01T20:03:00.000Z

To follow......

Pike Rigs - Some Examples

2007-03-01T19:52:00.000Z

Martin Puddy

2007-02-27T19:21:00.000Z

Coming soon .....pics and text for pike to 29+ from The Levels in Somerset

Recommended Pike Fishing Books & Guidance

2007-02-27T18:40:00.001Z

Only a beginning - reviews and more info will be added asap.

Pike Fishing: The Practice and the Passion by Mick Brown (Hardcover - 25 Oct 1993)
Pike Fishing in the UK and Ireland by Steve Rogowski, Mark Ackerley, and Jon Cotton (Hardcover - 29 Sep 2006)
Big Pike by Bob Church (Hardcover - 24 Jul 2006)
The Great Modern Pike Anglers by Barrie Rickards and Malcolm Bannister (Hardcover - 1 Nov 2006)
More Mammoth Pike by Fred Buller (Hardcover - 25 Jul 2005)
How to Catch Bigger Pike by Paul Gustafson (Hardcover - 26 May 2006)
Mastering Pike on the Fly: Strategies and Techniques by Barry Reynolds and Lefty Kreh (Paperback - Mar 2004)
Pike: An In-Fisherman Handbook of Strategies by Al Lindner (Paperback - Mar 1994)
Fly-fishing: For Pike by Michael Jensen and Britt Trude Christensen (Hardcover - 1 Nov 2003)
Pike on the Fly: the Flyfishing Guide to Northerns, Tigers, and Muskies by Barry Reynolds (Paperback - 1 Jan 1993)

Paul Hughes

2007-02-26T08:22:00.000Z

John Hopton

2007-02-26T08:21:00.000Z

Andy Berwick (Family)

2007-02-22T10:31:00.000Z

Here are a couple of Chew 20s caught last Oct/Nov by Andy and his son Patrick.

Trophy - The Martin Brown Memorial Trophy for the Largest Bristol Avon Pike caught by a Bristol PAC member

2007-02-22T10:24:00.000Z

Mike Stevens is the front runner so far this season with a 21 and a 19 backing fish.

Won last year by Ben Thomas with a 20.

Details of his fish and previous winners to follow....

Trophy - Largest Seasons Pike to Bristol PAC Member

2007-02-22T10:19:00.000Z

A new trophy last year won by Paul Weston with a Chew 30.

Photo and story to follow..........

For fish caught between the last Thursday in March each year and the last Wednesday in March the following year.

The Trophy is presented at our March meeting on the last Wed in March each year.

Martin Brown

2007-02-22T09:59:00.000Z

Martin was a much loved long standing member of the Bristol PAC and RO for several years who unfortunately passed away in 2001.

He caught a 32lb pike from the Bristol Avon and pioneered piking on many unexploited stretches of the river, including by boat.

The Bristol PAC still has its annual Martin Brown memorial trophy for the biggest Avon pike.

This page will record Martins life and big pike over 2007. To start with we have to scan some slides in!

Hot News! - Autumn/Winter 07 Meetings Speakers

2007-02-20T01:05:00.000Z

Here is advance warning that we have arranged ....

John Horsey - "Chew & Fly Piking" - Wed 26 Sept - #5 ticket advance booking essential

Oct & Nov - Neville Fickling & Bill Palmer - dates to be confirmed

Dec - pub social

January 08 - tbc

Feb 08 - tbc

March 08 - tbc

April 08 - tbc

May 08 - tbc

Mike Stevens

2007-02-18T22:13:00.000Z

Ben Thomas

2007-02-18T22:08:00.000Z

Paul Curry

2007-02-18T22:07:00.000Z

Terry Ellis

2007-02-17T20:38:00.000Z

Martyn Cattermole

2007-02-17T20:27:00.000Z

A Somerset Levels river 23 from March 2006, and 22nd 20.

A river 23 from 1984

My first 20. A drain 28lb 4oz fish from 1978.

Paul Weston

2007-02-17T20:22:00.000Z

NEWS & FUTURE BRISTOL PAC MEETINGS

2007-02-17T00:12:00.000Z

Hello,
Well the good news is that two Bristol PAC members have had new personal best pike this Feb. Both “trout fed” fish from Chew Reservoir. Paul Weston had a massive 36lb 12oz pike together with a 24 pounder, while Terry Ellis had a 27lb fish. Both took lures. Terry had his fish from the bank, Pauls was from a boat. Paul will now have 2 entries in Nev Ficklings next Mammoth Pike book with 35lb+ fish, which is a superb achievement. Many others of us had a tough time on Chew with few fish around and some bad weather. Some of us are back on Chew next week, so cross fingers!

News from other local venues has not been good generally and the weather has meant most anglers have struggled to even find waters that are not in flood and looking like hot chocolate. Hopefully the last 3 weeks of the season post Chew will be better with drier weather. Exceptions have been Mike Stephens with I think a 21 from the Avon and Ben Thomas who also nipped in between floods and found some good fish to 18+.

MONTHLY MEETINGS
We have had problems finding suitable venues with meeting rooms now The Midland Spinner has gone up market! Our next 3 meetings are at 2 different pubs as you will see.

NEXT MEETING – WED 28 FEB at 7.30 for 8pm
Speaker: Phil Wakeford – PAC President.
Title: "A Life of Pike". Venue: The Langley Arms, Dibden Lane, Emersons Green, Bristol. BS16 7GA. Tel: 0117 9573512.
Phil will be talking about his exploits in chasing the "Big Ole Girls" around the British Isles over 40 years. 168 x 20lb with 8 x 30s all from 40 different waters (so far). All sorts of waters and methods will be covered. Different experiences along the way, people encountered things seen/experienced and funny things that happened. He was Pike Angler of The Year in 2004. An entertaining night and a chance to ask questions of the PAC Top Man! An evening not to be missed! A fun and interesting night for anyone interested in Esox or wanting to find out how the PAC is protecting pike and pike angling.

MARCH MEETING - WED 28 MARCH at 7.30 for 8pm
Speaker: Mark Brand
Title: "Lure & Jig Fishing”. Venue: The Ratepayers Arms, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7PS. Tel: 01454 866697.

Mark is a specialist lure angler and for the last five years has been a consultant for Sovereign Super baits (http://www.sovereignsuperbaits.co.uk/) who are predator specialists.

He has fished Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Holland. He is in the LAS - Lure Angling Society and also fly fishes for predators.

The big pike fish in the photo on the left is from the Baltic. He has been Jig fishing for 3 years now and will be talking about how to get the best out of lures and the latest jigging techniques.

APRIL MEETING - WED 25 APRIL at 7.30 for 8pm
Speaker: Andy Cowley
Title: "Nile Perch from Murchison Falls & the River Nile in Uganda”
Venue: The Ratepayers Arms, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7PS. Tel: 01454 866697.
Andy has been catching big predators, carp and barbel since the 1970s and has travelled extensively abroad catching big cats, mahseer and nile perch. This talk and video presentation will be about some very challenging and (maybe) dangerous fishing he has been doing over the last 2 years in Uganda. He is currently in Uganda on his second visit so this talk will be about his latest exploits and one hopes big nile perch captures.