Fatboy Slim

Another trip to Roddlesworth Reservoir on Friday was rewarded with a solitary Pike of 5lb, caught on a Fox Fatboy lure. The pattern was Storm. The lure now has the battle scars from an encounter with Esox Lucius down its side.

Fatboy lures are like the old S Type lures - but on steroids. Like the S Type, they are reluctant to dive too far and are prone to surfacing if you reel in too slowly. They have a pleasant wobbling action, though.

Friday also gave me the chance to try out some excellent traces that I'd bought on EBay. They are made of Titanium wire and are pretty indestructable, even I couldn't kink them during the session.

The weather was warm again with sun shining striaght into my face off the surface of a mirror flat water, not ideal conditions it must be said. Coupled with the millions of Midges and Gnats that seemed to be strangely attracted to my scalp - the fishing was not the best.

Although I fish for Pike year round, there is a feeling at this time of year that one is starting to approach the pike season proper. When the weather starts to cool and the mornings start later, it is the time when many seasoned pikers consider their first forays to the water's edge since the Spring. October 1st is the traditionalists' start date for the Pike fishing season. 26 days to go.

Soon, the lures will be packed away and out will come the deadbait rods and reels. Time to let the pike come to my bait, rather than me chasing them around the reservoir with a lure. Time to sit still, shivering and huddled over two rods, wishing that the weather was warm again..