He was happy with his lot, but after a friend of his landed an even bigger fish, he couldn’t resist one more go.

It was Wayne Thomas’ thirty-eight-pounder, reported in the May 28th edition of Angling Times, that inspired his return, but on his arrival, he was hit with high winds; not ideal for fly fishing – the only tactic currently allowed for pike at Chew. After a few hours, he only had a few jacks to show for his efforts, with nothing showing in his usual spots. Bruce retreated to a more sheltered bay, where a big fish hit his scruffy tiger fly. A heavy, dogged fight ensued, but his stout 10wt rod soon subdued the pike that turned out to be this 36lb 8oz monster.

Well done Bruce!