norfolkpiker

http://www.rodhutchinsoncarpbaits.com/prodotto.php?id=1003 About £750 in English money

Dave Lane is one of the best angling writers out there. Can't wait to read his account of this one

I've night fished for Pike from a boat countless times, different species yes but many principles should be the same. I always anchor securely to the margins, usually in my case the bow end is in a reedbed. I feel safer, relax & enjoy my fishing. Mooring posts help get the boat really steady & secure, provided the water isn't too deep. Get your boat organised and run through a plan in your mind of what you're going to do when you a) hook a fish b) bring the fish on board. I love boat fishing. Imagine being bivvied up with rods out but you have the urge to move. All you have to do is wind in, start the engine and away you go.

As someone coming back into Carping after 20 years away I'm amazed at how many people just don't bother to try & find fish, especially if there's a popular swim vacant and they can park the car right behind it. For what its worth I try to do a circuit of the lake, starting & finishing at the windward bank. If I haven't been able to locate fish visually then I find a quiet spot at the windward end & start there. I often find myself in the 'unfashionable' swims but seem to do OK. I think that having no preconceptions is a big advantage

Am I right in thinking, that had this been a record fish, it would not have been allowed because someone else touched the rod ?

Take it Mr Mac can't swim??

SWP? Been thinking of replacing my ancient Avons (never a problem, just count the needle round), think I'll avoid digital & go for another dial scale.

Some good advice, thanks all. Fished many a winter night for Pike, in a boat. Madness but I love it. The long nights mess with my head a bit so a digital radio helps keep sane. A good lump of vaseline rubbed into your hands keeps the cold and wet out.

Barrie Rickards, Nev Fickling, Stephen Harper, Dave Lane & Rod Hutchinson

Having a kettle forgetting your cup Trying to drink the slug that has slithered into your mug

Good luck, took me 20 years to find one

Hi all, I'm in the same boat. Not Carp fished for 20 years, having another go & still using my old Tricasts