Had lure rod and deadbait rod set up. Deadbait was paternoster float rig with smelt, lure was a shallow diving silver plug. Newton aa currently reviewing pike rules but at moment can only use mono as braid is not allowed (hope this gets changed). Worked my way down one stretch of the canal without so much as a follow. Walked back and other stretch looked weedy so jumped in car and drove to other car park about a mile away for a last twenty minutes before had to head home for work. Chucked out deadbait, after resetting stop knot as canal was a lot deeper here, then started working the lure. Second cast and fish on, after a spirited scrap slipped net under it on on the bank. The pike had proper nailed the lure and it was right at the back of it's mouth. Unhooked rested it in net in water then quick photo before releasing. I'd forgot scales but was quite chunky and in good condition around 8lb I'd estimate.
The freshwater scene doesn't do a great deal for me but I do fancy a crack at the pike on the lures.
