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Grasmere Pike
Pike Fishing on Grasmere
Many years ago when I lived in the Lake District I was a member of the local fishing club. I loved that, we would meet in a small, local pub for a few pints and a plate of Lancashire lamb hot pot or something similar and talk about all things piscatorial. The membership allowed me to fish certain lakes, tarns and rivers not open to the public as well as meet fellow anglers from whom I could gleam much needed but restrained (!) advice and information.
I loved fly fishing for trout but pike fishing was another favourite of mine. The large lakes are full of huge pike and I would fish them regularly in eager anticipation. It wasn’t just about the fishing, it was about being there. For me, those early mornings and evenings casting a line across a flat water whilst watching the abundance of wildlife around me was as good as it gets and in due course I shall post some photographs from the places I used to visit.
Grasmere and Rydal Water was a real favourite of mine, it was close enough to visit in between shifts and in the late autumn and winter it was free from tourists and just perfect for walking and fishing. This post comes on the back of an internet search for my old fishing club and I saw this photo which I hope nobody minds me posting here. It is a photo of a stunning pike caught by WADAA member Mr. Steve Barrow. Weighing in at a huge 28lbs it shows the true beauty of this magnificent fish. For anyone concerned about the welfare of the fish then rest assured they are treated with great care and always returned safely to the water. Lakeland fishermen are real advocates of preserving their natural heritage.
Miles,
Yesterday on tv I saw some line caught mackerels, fresh out of the sea and into the pan, they looked really delicious. Later on I was wandering around a prestigious supermarket and spotted a fillet looking grey and dull so I didn’t buy it.
Is pike a good fish to eat? I’m all for fishing but the thought of catching something like that huge pike and not being able to eat it would vex me. Mind you looking at the size of it I doubt I’d have been able to lift it out of the water in the first place!
Cid
October 26, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Cid,
Pike is enjoyed more in Germany and France than it is here. I have eaten it but wasn’t particularly taken with it. Good choice on the mackerel, their colour should stand out, if not then stay away!
Miles
October 26, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Miles
this takes me back as well.
Pike fishing always comes to mind at this time of year - crisp,clear sharp early winter mornings !
What a fine fish as well.
You’ll need to take a travelling rod when next you go !
Tight Lines !
Rod
October 26, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Rod,
To be honest it was a post for you, I knew you would appreciate it. I miss our pike fishing days, I really do.
Miles
October 26, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
Miles
I cannot see a pond or lake without thinking about either fly fishing or pike fishing !
Rod
PS I was about to write:
I cannot pass water without thinking about either fly fishing or pike fishing !
October 27, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Rod,
You should see how high the water is here-a bit scary.
Nice one
Miles
October 27, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Nice fish! I have caught a few of that class in Minnesota. They make for fine eating, and are large enough to get three long, deep fillets from (pike have “Y” bones that make them tricky to fillet) Poached pike with fennel is a favorite of mine, as are beer-battered pike nuggets with horseradish mustard…I miss pike…
October 30, 2008 @ 12:24 am
Hank,
Lucky you! my biggest was a sixteen pounder from Lake Windermere. The beer batter recipe sounds good….
Miles
October 30, 2008 @ 7:07 am
please do not remove pike from waters especially pike of that size! it is seriously detrimental to the fisheries!!!!!!! dont mind post but plz remove picture!!!!!
January 4, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Steve,
Thankyou for visiting and taking the time to comment. Fishing does provoke mixed reactions and I can understand both sides of the story. Although I no longer fish myself I always treated my catch with the utmost respect. I would never advocate anything less especially for such a magnificent pike.
Kind regards
Miles
January 4, 2009 @ 10:25 pm