I returned to the widmead stretch of the canal today with a pack of roach deadbaits and a pike float purchased at the last minute on my way there. I tried 'trotting' the deadbaits at different depths and speeds past every likely looking bush and reedbed but not a single wiggle or knock on the float will be making a trip to the fishmongers in thatcham to get some sea deadbaits this week to try again next weekend.

Current score is me 0-2 pike, any tips or hints would be very gratefully received!