Paul's Catfish Capers

New member Paul Ikin is an accomplished predator angler with an enviable record of big UK catfish to his name. Paul has kindly agreed to do a talk and slide show at our meeting on March 7th 2011.

Thanks Paul.

Mike O'Brien's first pike

Another fish from our successful 'Introduction' day on the Weaver. Well done Mike.

More photos from our 'Introduction' day.

On the left is Mark Johnson's 17 pounder which was caught on a float-ledgered sardine, and on the right, Alex Lawton's first lure caught pike; which took a 6" Fox Replicant in 'silver sparkle' pattern.

'Introduction to Pike Fishing' day - Result !

Weather and river conditions were perfect, and this undoubtedly played a big part in a very successful day.

The event, held on the Weaver in Northwich, was attended by approximately 15 anglers, made up of a roughly 50/50 mix of Northwich AA members (mostly complete novices) and PAC members. Here are the stats:

NAA junior member Harry Broadbent caught his first two pike on wobbled deadbaits under the guidance of Alan Hickson. (above right)

NAA junior member Kaythan Shillito caught three pike, including a new 'personal best' of 9 lbs. 14 oz. (above left) all on livebaits.

NAA senior member Alex Lawton caught his first pike on a lure.

NAA Senior and PAC member Michael O'Brien caught his very first pike - after 12 months of trying. This was on a lure.

New PAC member Alan Butler caught his second pike ever. The last one he caught was in 1965 !

The biggest fish of the day, a 17 lb. pike, was caught by PAC's Mark Johnson on a smelt deadbait. I hope to have a picture of this fish soon and will add this to the blog. Well done mate !

Altogether, 18 pike were caught during the day and everyone who attended said that they had thoroughly enjoyed the event and learned a great deal from it.

I would like to thank everyone who attended, but in particular Alan Hickson for his invaluable help and Alan Dudhill from R.A.26 for the generous provision of 'Pikemaster' traces and floats for this event.

Unfortunately I blanked - but someone had to !!!!