Esox Lucius

Finally, a reasonable break in the weather gave us a last minute chance to put a storm blighted February behind us and, at last, get out in search of some toothy critters.

Pike fishing has taken a relative back seat for us this winter and last month was when we were hoping to eventually get our campaign under way. However, horrendous weather and high water levels had forced us to go elsewhere so it was with hope and anticipation that we set out to catch the first ferry to the Isle of Bute.

PB at 18lbs, took a ledgered sardine

Although the weather had eased, it was still a bitterly cold and blustery day and a day that brought 7 hours of very little, sandwiched between an hour and a half of teeth and tails. Within the first hour we had 3 fish to the net then all went quiet,

Another falling victim to a Sardine

until 30 minutes before we had to leave, when another 2 saw us finish with a flurry. Dawn and Dusk, yet again showing why it's so important to get out early and see the day out to the last minute.

My first Pug nose

As much as this, as always, was a team effort it would be unfair not to give credit where it's due, as on this occasion, Gordon finished the day not only with the most fish but the biggest and a new PB.

It was great to be back on the Pike and we're hoping for at least one more crack at them before we leave them in peace, at least for a few weeks. 5 fish with 3 doubles to around 18lbs isn't a bad day, no matter how cold it gets.

The last cast producing the goods.