A U.K. angler has gained notoriety for his Feb. 16 catch of a nearly 45-pound pike that set a record for Chew Valley Lake in Somerset, England.
“Fish like this really are the stuff of dreams,” Matt Hayes, a TV personality, exclaimed Tuesday on Facebook. “I can only imagine what Nicholas felt when this leviathan rolled into the landing net.”
Nick Gahagan released the 44-pound, 7-ounce pike after posing with his catch for photos.
He told ForTheWin Outdoors: “It was the hardest fighting fish I’ve ever encountered, so strong that my [rod] was absolutely bent double.
“I really did think she was gonna spool me on her first run as she went off like an absolute train. The fight went on for a good while before she rolled to the surface and succumbed to the net.”
Catches of 40-pound pike have become increasingly rare. For comparison, the world record for pike stands at 55 pounds, 1 ounce, set in 1986 at Germany’s Lake of Grefeern.
The British record, set in 1992, is 46 pounds, 13 ounces.
Hayes continued: “The term ‘dream fish’ is overused but in this case I don’t think that there is any doubt about it. You could fish for several lifetimes and still not catch a 40-pound pike.”
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Gahagan, for the most part, let others boast on his behalf. Holy Mackerel Fish Oil Co. described his bait-scenting process via Facebook:
“Fishing from the bank, Nick set out with the plan to spod out a mixture of chopped-up fish, which he had soaked in Holy Mackerel Natural Predator Extreme Quality Bait Attractant for two weeks in advance.
“Fishing near the baited area with a sardine dead-bait that he had injected with Holy Mackerel Natural Predator, Nick would receive a take from what he described as the best-fighting fish he’s ever caught.”
Gahagan said the pike swam away in good health after the release.
Northern pike, found globally in northern, or Arctic waters, are ambush predators that prey on fish, crustaceans, birds, insects and small mammals.
They’re prized by anglers for their fighting ability but also as table fare.
A popular catching method involves trolling large lures and plugs, but still-fishing with baits also can be effective.
Gahagan said he was using an Ugly Stik rod and Fox Rage Predator Elite 40-pound braid, with his drag set for big fish.
