I'll stick my neck out and predict that this weekend will be great for pike, at least here in the South East.

The barometer is forecast to rise after weeks of low pressure. I'm always found a change in pressure after it's been high or low for a long time really stirs the pike up. It doesn't seem to matter whether the barometer is rising or falling, or whether it's warmer or colder, it's the sustained change after a long period of similar pressure that seems to do the trick.

Unfortunately, I've got a family commitment this weekend and so can't go! :mad:

I did have my first pike trip of the season yesterday, not having fished for them this summer as I got sidetracked by the big bream at Wingham. I took Peggy's nephew who's just 13 on his first ever pike session, having taken him to a commercial water for 3 or so trips. I didn't fish myself but spent the time showing Simon the ropes.

Yesterday here in Kent was a day sandwiched between storms with sunshine and rising pressure. The result was that the usual jacks were keeping their heads down and the big girls were on the prowl!

Despite not starting until almost midday and so missing the normally productive morning feeding spell at this time of year, Simon got 2 pike, 12-14 & 16-04, both on mackeral.

Simon was tickled pink and knows exactly what he wants to fish for next time! There can't be many anglers whose average size of pike is older than their age!

The 12 pounder came at 1pm and fought like hell, with the tip of my 3lb test curve rod spending a lot of time in the water!

The other fish came at 6.15 in the twilight just as we were packing up. I find this so often happens on the days you get few fish - it's quiet until dusk which often produces just one pike, but it's the biggest of the day.

Have others found the same?

[ 28. October 2004, 10:27 AM: Message edited by: Steve Burke ]

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Unless the weekend commitment is for your own funeral, go fishing and make whatever apologies are needed at some later date.

I did make an exception some years ago for the wedding of one of my female offspring but I think I was swayed by the amount of money I'd already spent getting things ready and the fact that the solunar tables were only predicting fair fishing that day.

I'd love to fish this weekend, but I've got to go to a 5th birthday party.

great news steve,

im out again on the river piking this week,went last saturday bit wet n windy really- blanked!
this weekend hopefully will be fruitfull!must get ound those pesky crayfish!they are driving me mad on static baits!

Steve Burke, I agree with Newt on this one! My wife is OFF on Saturday for a change and wants me to go shopping with her! I am trying to figure a way to get out of this one for sure! If at all possible, I will get out early and return by noon and maybe apease the young lady. We have dinner plans so maybe the necessary extras are in order! We will see what the day brings.

HOPPY4

Change #1: I am going Shopping on Saturday Morning!!! The requirements have changed. Well, maybe Sunday Morning.

[ 29. October 2004, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: HOPPY4 ]

I can choose to fish about 300 days out of 365 so I don't begrudge time with the family. They'll be plenty of other days with good weather forecasts. Perhaps it's one of the reasons why Peggy and I are happilly married.

But you can bet I will be thinking about those pike all weekend........!

I wish I could but i'm waiting to attend some teach-ins first before I fish for pike

I've changed the paragraphs around in my original post in case anyone missed my question about big pike at dusk.

All of my biggest pike have come between the times of 07.00 - 12 noon steve ..

Of course it varies from water to water, but I too rate the morning as best for pike at this time of year.

It then usually goes quieter in the afternoon, at least until dusk when I often get just a single fish. Strangely though this is frequently the biggest fish of the day.

Again, on the days when action is almost non-existent, I sometimes catch just the one fish at dusk. Once again, it's often a good 'un.

This has happened on all sorts of water, so it's not just something to do with a particular venue.

Anyone any ideas as to why? Or haven't you found this?