Six of the Best: Fenland Pike Tips

As you can see Mark has the credentials to offer even the most experienced angler advice on predator fishing especially when it come to targeting Pike from Fenland drains.
However, this feature is not designed to make the experienced angler a superstar. This feature is purely designed to give the beginner and angler looking to improve their game the opportunity to improve the skills that will hopefully assist in making your next session predator hunting a more successful and enjoyable angling experience.

So here they are, Mark Barrett’s Six of the Best Fenland Pike Tips.

No1.

All the tackle in the world will not guarantee that you will catch fish so keep it nice and simple.

Let me spell it out to you, “complicated rigs catch anglers and not fish” As long as you use good quality reel line (I personally recommend that you should always use a braided reel line when Pike angling) a reliable rod and free spool style reel.

All you then need is a selection of good quality terminal tackle which should include reliable traces with the sharpest hooks you can afford.

Add a pair of long noses forceps which are a must have for safe unhooking and a suitable landing net and you can then catch Pike knowing you have the right equipment for the job.

No2.

In any type of angling situation good quality bait should always be used and Pike angling is no exception, obtaining the best baits possible can make the difference between success and failure.

When it comes to Dead Baits there are many options available with some great deals available on line. However only buy bulk dead baits from a reliable supplier, preferably one who has been recommended.

One very reliable supplier of high quality sea and fresh water dead baits is Dynamite Baits, they supply a comprehensive selection of dead baits and even sell mixed packs for the angler on a tight budget or like to travel light.

No3.

When targeting pike for some unknown reason many anglers seem to fish on the same stretches of water and normally in groups. I have learned from personal experiences that avoiding the crowds can pay huge dividends.

By travelling light and adapting a mobile approach you can cover more water and greatly improve your chances of catching. In most situations when fishing the Drains you will be parked virtually on top of your rods so when targeting an area, only get out the basic tackle required, this will enable you to pack up and be on the move as quickly as possible if nothing is happening and a move is in order.

No4.

Locating Pike can be a daunting task on these featureless Fenland venues that seem to go on for ever but there are two sure fire ways of locating Pike.

First option is to follow the predatory birds like Cormorants. These birds follow and prey on the shoals of silver fish during the cold winter months and if you find these hunters the Pike will without question be very close by.

Second option is to study the sports section of your local papers and look at the match results, if the match anglers are continuously catch good weights of silver fish from a certain stretches of drain then yet again these stretches of water are well worth considering.

No5.

Once located, live silver fish are like catnip to Pike. Fresh healthy live bait presented on a paternoster style rig will catch Pike on the drains, when other methods may fail, especially in clear water conditions. Most species of silver fish work well but Roach and small Skimmer Bream seem to catch more Pike than any other silver species.

Caution: When using live baits you must always use fish caught from the water you are planning to fish, NEVER transport live baits from one venue to another (Reference Section 30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act available from the Environment Agency), it is illegal and if caught it will cost you your rod licences and a hefty fine.

No6.

A lot of anglers shy away from coloured flowing waters especially after heavy rain and the drains are being pumped to prevent flooding.

These water conditions can sometimes get the Pike on the move and hunting for food, produce excellent sport for the angler who puts in the effort and gets the bait selection right.

I personally prefer high oil baits including my favourite sardines but would carry a pack of whole mackerel as an alternative in these conditions as the high oil content makes it easier for the Pike to locate your bait.

Another superb alternative would be Lamprey as this also releases large volumes of blood and oily aroma that will attract Pike.

Footnote

Mark's advice is based upon years of experience accumulated by fishing the hundreds of miles of drains all over the Cambridgeshire Fenlands. This has shown him that time spent finding your quarry makes for better results on the bank. I have already found great personal success by following Marks clear and simple advice and have now totally changed my approach to Pike and predator fishing because of this. No, this is not the be all and end all of Fenland Pike fishing but it is a very good starting point for any angler who wants to get the basics right or improve their game.

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