B.C.

Good advice CM. It shall be One or the other.... I can always remember float fishing a sprat at about half depth on the river as a kid. This huge pike, must have been all of 6lb, came up through the cabbages from beneath. It was around the time the film "Jaws" came out, and it's exactly what it reminded me of. One of those sweet moments that you never forget, growing up. Needless to say it missed my sprat and on telling the tale it was more like 30lb. There are no cats present, but I'll take the advice from this thread and just do one or the other.

Thanks Nick. I'll probably just start by putting a third rod out with a popped up Mackeral to start with. The carp are still on the munch at the moment. But when they slow down I'll have a little dabble at the pike. I'm sure there's quite a few in there. That is odd about your lakes. I expect there are many tricks to learn as with all species, light levels, air pressure , topography , thermals etc. I have stubbornly stuck it out solely for carp in winters past. But when things go really quiet , it's all to easy to miss the odd trip. And having just started enjoying myself on the bank again this year, I really don't want to slow it down too much. Bit of pike fishing might help keep the toes warmer. Cheers for the tips.

Cheers buddy. That's what I was thinking. Didn't really fancy having to recast every hour or so, too much disturbance.

Having not done much Still water pike fishing, I was wondering how active they were once the temperatures drop? I intend having a rod out for pike this winter with a dead bait approach. How often would you re-cast if you had no action? I've fished for pike on rivers where I have kept on the move and on still waters with lures and spinners. Not done much dead baiting on a still water. It would be nice to see a decent sized pike on the mat. Haven't fished for them for over a decade. Caught them to low doubles in the past on the river. But one of the carp anglers landed an 18 on a fish meal boilie in June. Think this lake has the potential to do one or two big pike. But they are largely ignored.Any suggestions most welcome. cheers.

Agree, but whenever a bulk load was needed, me and a couple of mates would all club together for ingredients and make a night of it with a few beers.. Like a mini assembly line, four of us 60 / 80KG in about 6hrs at around £2.50/kg, with bulk loads you really need a few of you when you're using basic equipment.

There are loads of little local bait firms that are around £5/6 kg. But chances are every angler locally is on the same bait....You can make a decent bait for around £3 a kg that will catch fish. And for £5 a kg you can make a top bait with quality ingredients. If I'm making bait, then I'm fishing. So I'd never factor in my own time as a cost as it would be one small part of a pastime that pretty much takes up all of my time. Also, you can tweak your own bait be it with ingredients, shape, size ,all the time to suit circumstances, most bait firms charge for this. I think if you're concerned about a few hours bait making being expensive, then you would probably have to ask yourself, How much does each fish I catch cost me? Basically, if you enjoy making your own bait and gain confidence from it, you will make it. If you're not really into it, then you'll probably look for a reason not to do it. The first time I saw fish boshing over my home mades gave me a real buzz.