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East Yorkshire Pike Fishing Training Session As many of you may already know, the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain has consistently worked since 1977 to spread good practice amongst anglers wishing to fish for the species. Many leaflets, booklets and recently web based materials have been produced over the years with the sole intention of educating both anglers and club officials into the role which pike play in any water in which they are present and try to prevent the unnecessary removal of fish and spread good fishing practice. We have always expressed our willingness to assist any club or individuals if approached regarding Pike fishing or matters concerning pike and some clubs have taken up these offers. We were therefore absolutely delighted when Sam Anderson of Eric's Angling Centre in Leeds, approached Pete Green, PAC Membership Secretary, in June 2005, to see if he would be willing to assist in running a series of training courses in the Hull area. As a member of Hull AA, Sam had become increasingly concerned about inadequate tackle he had seen used and over the years and felt that education was the way forward. To their credit, the club had also recently introduced rules on all of the waters containing pike that the maximum of size 8 trebles to be used for pike fishing and 15inch wire traces must be used. Whilst this was a start he was sure that further improvements could be made which is why Peter was approached. Peter sought support from Brian Birdsall, one of the Yorkshire Local Liaison Officers for the PAC, and Chas White, Darlington & Teesside Regional Organiser, and a nucleus of an event was pulled together. Sam approached the management committee of Hull AA who agreed that this was something they wished to develop. They also agreed that Market Weighton canal could be used as the venue. An advert for the proposed event was placed in the club's local newsletter to gauge any interest and the committee was pleasantly surprised by the response when over 30 club members said that they wanted to participate. The advert stressed that the event would be aimed at those club members who wanted to start pike fishing or for anyone wanting advice on how to improve. It certainly seemed that there was a demand so a firm date for the event was agreed. Places would be limited for the first event but if that were a success, further dates would be planned. Sam agreed to supply anyone attending the event with a "goody bag" containing a few swivels, treble hooks, wire, crimps and any other bits and pieces suitable for the job he could lay his hands on. Pete also placed information on the PAC in the bags as well as membership application forms so all contained something of interest and use. The inaugural event was held on the 8th of October 2005 and everyone met up at 8.30 am for a 9 o'clock start. In all 23 people wishing to learn more about pike fishing attended ranging from the very young to a Grandad who brought along his grandson who had expressed a wish to fish for pike. After brief introductions, the PAC members present gave demonstrations on the types of equipment to use for this specialised type of fishing, suitable rods and line, nets, unhooking mats, traces and how to construct them both using crimps and the twist method, how to get the best bite detection using floats and ledger methods, drop off indicators and alarms, tools etc. Baits were also discussed at length and advice given on the none-transfer of fish for livebait as per the PAC guidelines. One of the concerns of most people new to pike fishing is how to handle and unhook them. To assist with this, a model pike had been borrowed and this proved invaluable as an easy and safe way of demonstration. Advice was also given on being aware of cuts to hands when handling pike, in particular with regard to Weils Disease and the absolute need for personal hygiene. The anglers were then invited to find a spot to fish from and were told that the PAC members would then come and talk to them individually to talk further about anything else they wished to discuss and show again how to make traces. The biggest pike landed during the event was a beautifully conditioned fish of 18lb 7oz, caught by Spencer Hunt of Hull. This was a personal best for Spencer and his young son was also mightily impressed with what dad had caught! Spencer managed also to safely unhook the fish, using the methods demonstrated earlier and after a brief couple of photos the fish was released. The PAC would like to thank Sam, the Hull AA committee and the water bailiffs for the Association, for the opportunity to hold the event to show what pike fishing is all about. All of the anglers attending expressed their gratitude for the advice given said what a good idea the day was. PAC have offered to hold further events in the future and would encourage all forward thinking clubs to consider holding similar sessions. If any club officials which to take advantage of this offer, Chas White can be contacted on 01642 599894 or Pete Green on 01924 782705 in the initial stages. BACK TO MAIN NEWS PAGE

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