Durham-based all-rounder Simon Ashton has recently managed to beat his personal best for pike with an impressive fish of 24lb 3oz.

Simon caught this fish just after first light from a northern stillwater using his ever-faithful 12ft E-Sox Piker Bait Rod, coupled with a reel loaded with 18lb ESP Syncro XT Loaded main line. The business end consisted of a simple running leger with a trace made up of 40lb E-Sox Super Trace Pike Wire and size 6 Semi-barbed Extra Strong Trebles.