I landed my first Pike - 10.5lb and not very happy with me !
On inspection, there appeared to be a number of clear worm type creatures on the Pike's underbelly. Being new to this Pike lark, is this usual ? - I assume Pike lie very still on or near the bottom at times and these yucky things attach themselves ? - should I remove them or is it perfectly normal ?
cheers !

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Pike often have leeches attached to them at this time of year, when they become inactive and lay in the weed on the bottom.

I generally quickly brush them off before putting the fish back into the water.

Tight Lines - leon

John,those "leechy" looking things are....leechs! Pike often pick them up when they have been dormant on the bottom for some time.They do the fish no harm and there is no need to remove them.Well done on your first Pike and a double at that.Hope you learn to apreciate them as I do and catch many more.

Ooops sorry Leon beat me to it!

Thanks fellas - I'll either brush them off or I won't - either way I am no longer concerned that the fish was diseased !
I shall continue to target Pike Budgie as I must admit they look magnificent (but evil !). The fight was pretty disppointing mind ... one half-hearted lunge and the over the net - is this a winter thing or was she just a bit lethargic ??

Summer pike are really energetic, and yes pike do often slow right down in the winter, preferring to snack on deadbaits rather than anything that needs chasing.

Sitting still on the bottom is why they get covered in leeches.

I've found that the bigger fish particularly can be very disappointing at this time of year.

Interestingly enough, when offered a net, they often go straight in.

I suspect that they mistake the net for weed, and therefore cover, rather than being over eager to surrender.

Tight Lines - leon

If it looks like a leech and acts like a leech.....ya know what! Its a leech!
(I wouldn't ave known either jon .....shhhhhh...)

most leeches arent clear i think what you saw were fish lice.

I think monkeyboy might have a point I have seen something like described on farmed salmon. Salt water lice I know but can they live in brackish or fresh water??

freshwater fish lice do have a small tail,transparent, but you will notice two 'eyes' on their back.
I just pull them off or if their tight on use something blunt making sure not to damage the fish. They are often on carp and other bottom feeders like pike in winter.
Harmless unless the fish becomes of poor health then they can kill it.