Joseph with a 32

This AnglersTale was kindly sent to us by Joseph Marshall of London.
December 05.

This was the maiden voyage of a newly purchased boat, which we had only about 4 hrs fishing time (we being my dad, Mark and Jock).

After blanking in various swims with the light float tackle trying to catch a few livebaits, we decided just to plot up in the Teddington weir with the deadbaits we already had.

Knowing that the weirpool pike enjoy a livebait the most, I used the old sinking and drawing method with a smelt, after a few casts with nothing to my name but an old tyre (which fought very well, I might add), I decided to gamble on the shallows which can be very dangerous for snags, but always produces - if you get it right.

'Bang!' A take on the second cast, a pause before for the strike and the hooks were set!

The fight was slow and deep, but the sheer power was nearly too much at one point, and the fish nearly snagged the anchor chain. But with all the pressure I could muster - she came to the surface...

'It's well over twenty! was the shout

Soon as I heard that - my legs went, I can't repeat what Mark said but you can imagine - as his expert netting saw the fish in the net in one go, thanks mate.

I've been fishing the River Thames since I was four years old and it has never ceased to surprise me.

The fish weighed in at 32lb 8oz. Quite a way to 'christen' a new boat.

Regards

Joseph Marshall
Barnes, London