b. Russell Francis - 01603-870885 

Although the pike is a voracious predator and can grow to huge sizes in British freshwater, once captured, they are a delicate species, especially during the warmer pike-fishing months of October and November, after a hard fight, and must be treated with the utmost care. The pike is also famous for its hundreds of backward-sloping teeth, and great care must be taken when unhooking pike, to ensure that no damage comes to the pike or to the captor. So, preparations must be made, and tackle acquired, to ensure that the angler – novice or expert – is well-prepared, well-equipped, and ready for any eventuality when a pike is captured. It will need to be unhooked quickly and efficiently, looked after, cared for, and returned safely to the water only when it is ready to swim away. Wire traces should always be used, 24 inches minimum in length, and treble hooks should be de-barbed or barbless) other than the bait-holder.)

Three main items of tackle are essential for this; a landing net, a large unhooking mat and a pair of forceps, and they are required mainly for the benefit and well-being of the captured pike, but will also help, and go some way to saving the angler from injury from the pike’s teeth.

No angler should fish for pike without a large (42-inch) landing net that is equipped with a soft, small minnow-mesh that will help prevent damage to the pike; especially the splitting of fins, which often occurs with nets that have large ‘lure-type’ meshes. If it does take a little longer to get a hook out of the mesh, so be it. Tackle should always benefit and safeguard the pike, first and foremost. Novices should always net pike, whatever the size. A net will help you to land, or boat, a pike safely. Especially when pike are very active during the autumn, or when playing a pike and a treble hook can be seen outside the pike’s mouth.

Once netted, let the pike have some time to recover in the net after the fight before you lift it out. Then hold the mesh firmly to support the weight of the fish and lay it onto a good-sized and well-padded unhooking mat; the larger, the better. Pike do not usually stay totally still while being unhooked, and in the warmer months, when pike are very active, it is often advisable to wrap the pike in a second unhooking mat when unhooking, to totally restrain the pike. The angler should always be in total control of the pike, treating it with respect and confidence, gently but firmly. There is no need to be frightened of any pike, however big, as long as you are in total control.

Forceps should always be carried to unhook pike. These are possibly the best tool for the job, as they can ‘lock on’ to a difficult hook. The curved-end forceps are better, as they are more efficient when a treble hook needs to be ‘reversed’ to extract it from the pike’s mouth. And being so slim, forceps can also be inserted through the pike’s gill-flap, to remove an awkward hook efficiently and quickly, that is well back inside the pike’s mouth.

Novices should be taught by an expert, and watch carefully how to unhook pike. It can sometimes be a difficult task, even for the experts. Novices are also advised to use a glove when unhooking pike, preferably a good make of unhooking glove, such as a Normark, and not a thick and heavy gardening glove, that can damage pike. For more detailed advice on unhooking and handling pike, visit www.pacgb.co.uk

NET – MAT – FORCEPS – ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR PIKE CARE 

Members should be aware that WACA fisheries are natural rural environments and they should accordingly treat them with respect.

Weather and water levels can change rapidly. Flooding, snow and frost, rain, high winds, strong sunshine and the onset of darkness can all make a familiar area become potentially hazardous. Members have a duty of care to themselves as well as others and to be aware and assess the potential hazards. Check forecasts of weather and river levels before travelling to our fisheries and make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear.

Please drive slowly and carefully on the fishery tracks, which are generally unmade roads with potholes. WACA cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused to vehicles. Members must park as recommended in the General Fishery Rules and on the maps supplied with annual tickets.

The fishery environment has many stiles, barbed wire fences, gates and footbridges, as well as uneven ground that could lead to tripping and falls, so great care should be taken, especially in low light conditions. Members are advised to keep someone informed of their whereabouts and likely time on the fisheries and to carry a fully charged mobile phone. Keep to established paths.

No gardening-type activities (eg tree pruning) should be undertaken without prior approval of the relevant Fishery Manager.

Livestock may be encountered almost anywhere on WACA fisheries. Take special care around cattle, particularly if there are calves or bulls present. Keep your distance or stay away.

Anglers should be aware of the presence of overhead power cables as well as some underground services. Do not fish or cast near to cables under any circumstances. 

Insect bites and stings, as well as nettles and sunburn are obvious hazards, especially in the summer months. Other risks include cuts, abrasions and piercing from wire, knives, hooks and baiting needles. Anglers are advised to carry some basic 1st aid kit and use sun protection cream as necessary.

Where wading is permitted, anglers are advised to use a stick and wear a buoyancy aid.  

Care should be taken when using portable camping stoves, especially within an enclosed space such as a bivouac or similar.

The waterside environment carries some risk of infections, viruses and diseases. Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) is a serious bacterial infection carried in animal urine, especially rats. Coronavirus is a highly infectious and potentially fatal respiratory virus that is passed between people. Members must keep up to date with government guidelines and observe such accordingly. WACA strongly recommends that anglers carry a small antibacterial hand wash to ensure bankside hygiene and to avoid skin contact with lake or river water. Should you suffer flu-like symptoms after fishing you should immediately consult an appropriate clinician.

If any member has underlying health conditions, it is their responsibility to take all necessary precautions.

Anglers may encounter legal animal traps whilst fishing WACA waters. These should be left alone. Concerns about their legality should be reported to the relevant fishery manager.

If pulling against a snag or playing a pike, beware of flying leads or hooks should the tackle suddenly become free.

All anglers have a responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Any anglers behaving irresponsibly may be the subject of appropriate disciplinary action by the committee.

Any health and safety concerns or incidents should immediately be reported to the fishery manager, bailiff or committee member, by telephone or email.

Finally thank you for your cooperation and reading these notes fully through – now please go and enjoy your fishing on our spectacular fisheries!