Today I took Tayler to the Predator Lake on the Wasing Estate the scene of many great days coaching but due to a very hard frost last night I was not expecting much sucess.

We set up dead baiting rods and Tayler went on a wander with a spinning rod. I caught the first pike about eight pounds after which nothing happened for four long hours. I changed one of the baits for a larger roach and popped it up a few inches in case it would be hidden in the weed.

In the late afternoon the sky darkened, the temperature plummeted and the sleet that the weatherman had threatened looked imminent. We started to pack up and I was regretting not letting Tayler take that first run. Suddenly, the rod with the popped up roach had the line pulled out of the drop back clip and the alarm sounded. I was dismantling one of the other rods so he picked up the rod, engaged the bale arm, tightened and struck. The rod arched over and the slipping clutch screamed, this was a big fish I thought and this was soon confirmed when the biggest pike I have seen from this lake took to the air and tail walked.

Tayler had a look of mixed terror and joy on his face but soon gained control of the fish. I must be a very good coach!

After a vigorous struggle the fish came to the net it was huge - it weighed twenty two pounds five ounces - his biggest fish ever.

The sky blackened, the rain and sleet started in earnest and a half an hour later we were on our way home with a car full of soaking tackle but a day we will both remember for a long time.

Tayler with his biggest fish ever.

Update.
I have just found a picture of Tayler’s first pike that must date back to the year 2000. It was caught on my first pike handling course and looking at the two pictures together just makes me feel good.

Tayler and his first pike.

We both got a mention when Tayler’s recent picture was shown on Keith Arthur’s programme on Sky Sports last night and modesty forbids me repeating the kind words Keith said about me.

Further update.

I have just heard from Tayler, he has received a “goodies pack” from Tight lines containing assorted pike floats, hooks and traces. Well done Skysports.

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