An Addiction To River Pike
Angler's Mail|December 03, 2019
South Coast taxi driver Nathan Edgell is addicted to pike fishing at this time of year, especially when it comes to targeting wild river predators that have slipped under the radar. Preferring to fish short sessions, the Fladen-sponsored piker has developed a tactic that has helped him to bank more fish. Here’s how.
Nathan Edgell
An Addiction To River Pike

I’M ABSOLUTELY addicted to fishing for predators. River pike are my true love. From October through to March, I’m out on the bank as often as I can be, usually two or three half-day sessions a week, but more if I can get away with it.

I love being out on rivers, as they are wild, challenging and unpredictable. I’d rather fish a local water and catch a 7 lb fish that’s probably never seen a hook before than travel, queue up and then fish a popular water further afield.

Catching a fish is just the cherry on an already beautiful cake. I just love being out in our countryside, with all the flora and fauna it has to offer.

Being married with two children, I have to make the most of my time on the bank. Due to an absence of stillwaters and canals local to me, around Dorchester, in Dorset, I’ve learned my craft on Wessex rivers. I’ll fish for pike anytime and anywhere, and I’ve caught them from all types of water, but my favorite will always be a flowing one.

In my eyes, river pike really are the stars of the show, as they have to survive floods, drought, predation and anglers. To get big, they have to target wild food in a hostile environment, which certainly isn’t easy. That’s what makes them special.

Seeing is believing

Over the years I’ve done at least 25 slideshow presentations in different regions around the country, for the Pike Anglers’ Club of Great Britain and other clubs in Ireland and Scotland.

I’ve read countless books and gleaned lots of information about Esox lucius, and love old tales of pike taking dogs, and of anglers having two-hour fights with huge pike in Irish loughs.

While these old tales may or may not be true, there are a couple of observations that I see or hear about that I just don’t agree with.

This story is from the December 03, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 03, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ANGLER'S MAILView All
Angler's Mail

Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub

It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Venues on the menu
Angler's Mail

Venues on the menu

Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 14, 2020
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
Angler's Mail

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”

In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

Search for a super stripy

They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

Pole position carping

The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020
My best catch!
Angler's Mail

My best catch!

This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Huge zed after run of disasters
Angler's Mail

Huge zed after run of disasters

19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities

time-read
2 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Christmas stocking
Angler's Mail

Christmas stocking

The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Alien aquatic plants
Angler's Mail

Alien aquatic plants

In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

A guide's guide to guides

Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020