26th January 2011

As the wind was blowing into my favourite bank I decided it would be a good place to start. I set two rods up with running ledgers. One was baited with my favourite sardines and the other with a full mackerel. As soon as they where out the bobbins started twitching and lifting to the rod then dropping back. Unfortunately the culprit wasn't a nice plump pike, but one of the many Rainbow Trout. This can be a big problem when fishing a trout reservoir. But to stop them being hooked I use at least size six trebles.
Anyway the bobbins didn't stop twitching for the next two and a half hours till finally it lifted and the line started to peel from the reel. As soon as I struck I new it was a good fish as it powered up and down in front of me. The Torrix 3.25 tc took on a lovely fighting curve which soon had the angry pike on the end of my line tamed. One of the members did the honours with the net and the fish was mine.

Onto the unhooking mat, out with the hooks and into the weigh sling. The needle settled on 21 lb 4 oz. 

Hopefully the first of many for this winter.

Tight lines.

Tony