March 24th Lure and Fly Match

Sunday 24th March: The People's Republic of Tiverton (and Devon PAC) Lure & Fly Match

Meet at Tidcombe Bridge, Tiverton Canal at 7:30am, Fish 08:00- 13:00 Entry: £5

This season's PAC calendar ends with a friendly contest on the Grand Western or "Tivvy" Canal and will be a roving affair. This is sure to be a fun event- and we've yet to have a match on this water which didn't produce some bites, not to mention a great atmosphere and some quality banter. Bring your lure rod, or your fly rod and a mate or two! The emphasis is very much on a friendly day out, and as well as top prize for the best total weight of pike, there'll be a bonus award for the biggest fish caught and another for the smallest, most pathetic "Tivvy special" of a pike landed in the match.  

You will need a Tiverton AC day ticket- but these will be available to buy on the bank at £5. There is plenty of parking on Tidcombe Lane- and we'll meet by the water. All artificial flies and lures are permitted- but do please bring your usual unhooking and pike care kit. No nuclear weapons.

Friday 26th Feb: Barry McConnell 

If you thought the world of eel fishing attracted some of the most dedicated nutters in fishing- you were right! Fresh from the publication of his eye-opening book "The Eel Angler" we're thrilled to have Barry McConnell as our next monthly speaker. Barry is one of the sport's real characters, not to mention THE authority on all things eel fishing. The last we heard, he was fishing bottomless depths to catch winter eels- as well as catching one with his bare hands in a Scottish river. This will be a highly entertaining and refreshingly different evening out- come and join us at the Mill on Exe for 7:30pm!

The slide show presentation will be about the eel angling exploits of Barry McConnell and Pete Drabble in the UK, New Zealand and Australia with UK eels to 9lb 2oz and Australian eels to 23lb 4oz. The talk covers tactics, tackle, baits, rigs and many other eeling tips and takes you on an extensive, extreme and sometimes humorous tour of waters around England, Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire, The Midlands and Cornwall along with scotland, wilderness fishing for eels with a bit about deadbaiting for scots ferox thrown in, fishing with lightweight, minimum gear and a 999 alarm attached to the rod.

The book "The Eel Angler" will be available for sale along with  a few other  products from Zandavan Productions as can be viewed on www.zandavan.co.uk - Rollover Indicators, 999 alarms, Tagging guns (for hair rigging live and deadbaits) and some high quality  coated legers at a very reasonable price.

Kicking off 2013, on Tuesday January 29th at The Mill on the EXE we have a talk loaded with even more bite than usual in the shape of Devon predator fanatic Pete Gregory. As well as some serious pike tales from Chew and beyond, we'll also be hearing about his adventures in pursuit of sharks. It promises to be an entertaining, awe inspiring evening.

In the meantime we wish everyone a very happy new year. Fingers crossed this one's less of a wash out- hope to see you all soon.

Also watch this space for details of the annual fish in- as well as the next meetings.

Last Minute News

Sorry about the lateness of this post but things have been hectic so just a quick note to all those hardy pike anglers here in the Westcountry. In spite of the hell and high water, we're still on from 7 30 at Mill on Exe for our monthly meet tomorrow, with a screening of BBC filmmaker Dean Burman's cracking "Lair of the Waterwolf". Also a good place to be to get the latest news on the situation with the damage to our beautiful Grand Western Canal- which may need volunteer efforts at some point soon.

Here we go again!

PAC REGION 13: SPECIAL EVENTS FOR 2012/2013 PIKE SEASON

 

 

30th OCTOBER: SPECIMEN RIVER PIKING with NATHAN EDGELL 

Starting the predator season with a bang, special guest Nathan Edgell will be sharing his exploits with both rod and camera, featuring scores of beautiful pike in some classic river settings. Nathan's one rod, ultra mobile approach is sure to provide an inspirational evening's talk. 

PLUS: PRIZE DRAW - Bait and tackle prizes

 

WINTER PAC EXCLUSIVE FISH-IN!:  DATE TBC 

We are also negotiating privileged access to a SECRET DEVON PIKE WATER! Deep, weedy, virtually unfished, this could throw up some BIG surprises.... come and see us at Mill On Exe for further details. 

(MILL ON EXE, 7:30pm, £3.50 ENTRY or £2 PAC Members)

Pike Match

Presents the first annual

DEVON BAITS PIKE MATCH

The Only pike match in the land where every competitor receives FREE BAIT in the form of a tasty Devon Baits pike pack!

Winner will receive the Devon Baits Trophy plus £100 worth of bait!

Tackle and bait prizes also up for grabs!

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26^th 2012

Meet at Greenways car park, Halberton 7am (draw 7:30)

Fishing 08.00 – 14.00

Entry: £5 ALL WELCOME

You will also need a Tiverton AC ticket (available on the day from us)

Club rules apply (Large net, mat & unhooking tools please)

A big thank you.

I would just like to thank Dilip and Karen for making the trip down the M5 to visit our region, also to Dilip for a very entertaining and interesting talk, Thanks to those of you who came out to the meeting especially to Nigel who comes all the way from threemilestone near Truro in Cornwall to attend.

Details for Tuesday 24th January

Hello everybody after receiving an e-mail today asking for the starting time on Tuesday I realised that I had left some details off the blog. Sorry, here they are

Tuesday 24^th January 2012.

The Mill on the Exe

Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon,
EX4 3AB
Telephone: 01392 214464

Meet at 7pm, talks begin 7:30. All are welcome: £3 PAC members/ £4 Non Members

January 24th an evening with Dilip Sarkar

'Dilip Sarkar was an original member of the Pike Anglers' Club of Great Britain, aged just 16, in 1977. A year later he succeeded Des Taylor as Regional Organiser for Worcestershire, a role Dilip enjoyed for two years. Growing up in Worcester, he has fished the rivers Severn and Teme for a lifetime, for a variety of species but especially pike and zander. A pioneering pike conservationist in this match and game dominated area, his recent work in setting up the East Diglis Predator Syndicate & Partnership is inspirational, drawing upon his long experience as a police officer championing the multi-agency approach to the problem solving. A dedicated river piking enthusiast, Dilip has caught big pike from both his local rivers and the Wye, and now enjoys targeting both pike and zander on the River Severn in particular. Dilip's Powerpoint presentation includes a little local history, personal history, tales of fishing with his schoolday friends, all still PAC members and with whom he still fishes, and a summary of where the Severn is today so far as pursuing specimen predators is concerned. Well-known for his huge enthusiasm for life and everything he does, Dilip is also the author of 30 books featuring the Spitfire aircraft, which he is now studying for his PhD, and the Battle of Britain. For this effort he was made an MBE in 2003 and elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in 2006. His angling inspiration is drawn from the desire to better his 25.01 pike from the Severn (caught on 12 March 2011), catch a truly big Severn zander, and perhaps one day even catch a Wye 30 - something he was cheated of by fate back in 1982 and a tale he will re-tell with both angst and remarkably good humour! Dilip's passion for piking was rekindled two years ago by his wife, Karen, now an established angling artist, and son James, a fishery management student and contributor of the regular 'Young Pikers' page to Pikelines. Karen, also a PAC member, accompanies Dilip on his talks, providing a stand of her artwork. For more information please see www.karensarkarart.com and www.dilipsarkarmbe.co.uk. Dilip is currently, in fact, becoming increasingly involved with PAC again, contributing to both Pikelines and Pike & Predator, and in demand as a speaker by Regions all over the UK.
We are very sorry that we are unable to put on a meeting in December this year, but we are sure you will agree that Dilip's talk will be worth the wait. Please note that this is not the last Tuesday in the month. It is in fact the week before, this is the only date which is convenient for Dilip as he is talking at another region the following week.

Many Thanks

I would just like to thank everyone who attended the meeting last night, shame there wasnt a few more of us but never mind. Those of us who did attend were treated to an entertaining and very informative evening with Julian. I think everybody came away with something they can put to good use in their own fishing I know I certainly did.
The bad news is that we are unable to have a meeting in December as the venue is very busy with christmas bookings. However we will return on January 24th with an evening with Dilip Sarkar.
More details to follow soon.

Meeting Date Change

We are really sorry but due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to move Julian Chidgey's talk forward to Monday 28th November all the times are the same it is just that it is on the Monday NOT the Tuesday

Tactical big pike fishing

Tuesday November 29th - Tactical Big Pike Fishing - Julian Chidgey

This should be an evening not to miss! We are very pleased to welcome Julian to our new venue to give us his brand new talk and slideshow.

At the age of 28 Julian has already lifted the Drennan cup, has a monthly series in the UK’s best-selling angling title and works as a consultant for Fox International and Richworth. Well known for his predator catches. Julian will be showing us his approach to locating and catching big pike from waters as diverse as tiny drains all the way through to massive lochs and even the brackish water of the Baltic Sea!

With an in depth look at tackle, rigs, baits and location, there should be something for everyone.

Julian said ‘I’m looking forward to bringing my brand new slide show to the Devon PAC region. I will be bringing the pike tackle that I use along with me on the night, and will be talking in-depth about my approach for big pike. My sponsors will also ensure that there are some great prizes for the raffle’.

All meets will now take place downstairs at THE MILL ON THE EXE (Bonhay road, Exeter EX4 3AB). Meet at 7pm, talks begin 7:30. All are welcome: £2 PAC members/ £3 Non Members

Dom Garnett

TUES 25TH OCTOBER: DOMINIC GARNETT

Our very own joint Regional Officer

Passionate writer and predator angler Dom Garnett opens our winter season with an engaging talk and some stunning photography. Among other subjects, he will be lifting the lid on recent predator fly fishing exploits in the build up to his debut book "Fly Fishing for Coarse Fish". Recently cited as "Britain's most promising angling writer" (Angling Times), this will be an evening not to miss.

Featuring our now infamous raffle for some fantastic pike related prizes!

All meets will now take place at MILL ON EXE (Bonhay road, Exeter EX4 3AB). Meet at 7pm, talks begin 7:30. All are welcome: £2 PAC members/ £3 Non Members

ANGLING EVENTS WITH ADDED BITE!

- Devon Pike Angler's Club Events for 2011/2012 -

With the pike season already underway, Devon PAC are kicking off their annual calender in style at their new home at Mill on the Exe. An exciting line up includes inspiring talks, friendly competitions and a wealth of exclusive prizes to whet the appetite of any predator angler.

TUES 25TH OCTOBER: DOMINIC GARNETT

Passionate writer and predator angler Dom Garnett opens with an engaging talk and some stunning photography. Among other subjects, he will be lifting the lid on recent predator fly fishing exploits in the build up to his debut book "Fly Fishing for Coarse Fish". Recently cited as "Britain's most promising angling writer" (Angling Times), this will be an evening not to miss.

TUES 29TH NOVEMBER: JULIAN CHIDGEY

The Fox backed specimen ace is back with another evening of impressive captures and useful advice on all things pike angling. This is your opportunity to pick the brains of the Drennan Cup winner, along with the chance to win exclusive tackle prizes on the night.

FORTHCOMING HIGHLIGHTS....

MEGA XMAS TACKLE SALE- Bring, buy and exchange tackle before the Christmas rush!

"LAIR OF THE WATER WOLF" -Following last years snowed off event, this is your chance to see the full version of BBC Filmmaker Dean Burman's brilliant underwater pike film.

DEVON BAITS CUP- The only pike match where every competitor receives a pack of FREE BAIT! Also some great prizes for the top 3 anglers.

ROLL YOUR OWN... Fly and lure making evening.

Dont forget the convention

There's no better way to kick off your winter campaign than the Pike Anglers Club's convention.

That's the message from Britain's top predator club, as it gets set for this year's bash at Kettering on Saturday, October 1.

"It's going to be a great day out for pike anglers of all ages, with something for both seasoned hands and beginners," said organiser Colin Goodge.

"We've got some top speakers, all the latest kit and everything you need to get your winter off to a good start."

New attractions include a programme of free junior teach-ins the PAC hopes will inspire the pike anglers of the future.

Top names like Mick Brown, Julian Chidgey, Eric Edwards and Denis Moules will be showing the youngsters everything from how to tie a trace, to how to make their own lures.

There's plenty for the grown-ups too - including speakers Dave Horton, Micky Jones and Stephen Harper for starters, in the 500-seat theatre at Kettering Conference Centre.

There'll also be stalls with all the latest tackle - including for the first time a tank where you can check out the actions of the latest lures from Fox. Bargain hunters will be making a beeline for the secondhand tackle and lure stalls.

Mick Brown will also be launching his new book Mick Brown, Professional Pike Angler.

There's free admission for accompanied juniors - and a free "goody bag" of tackle essentials for those joining the club on the day, at the reduced price of £7.50.

Supporters Pikemaster and Pikepro will be donating a pair of forceps, float, lure trace, twin treble trace and other rig bits worth £20 for every junior who signs up on the day.

The Convention is being held at Kettering Conference Centre on Saturday, October 1.

Parking's free. Doors open 9am. Admission is £10 adult members, £15 non-members. For more information see the PAC website http://www.pacgb.com,/ or follow @pikelines on Twitter.

New Venue

Ok the new venue is confirmed as the mill on the exe in Exeter, who have very kindly let us have use of their downstairs room on the last tuesday of the month. This means that the first 2 meetings will be on October 25th and November 29th. We may have to have the December meeting slightly earlier to fit around the Christmas festivities but we will announce that nearer to the date.
We will be announcing more details of the first meeting shortly.

Quick Update

Hello everybody just a quick post to say we havent forgotten this page , the PAC or you. With the new predator season looming we are working to get everything in place. We are looking at a couple of venues in Exeter as the general consensus seemed to be that The Barge was too far out in the sticks and this was affecting attendance. We are also in the process of organising some fishing events and with this in mind we have secured a sponsor for a pike match (venue, dates, format etc to be decided) who has offered us some great prizes. So watch this space and hopefully we should have more news including the name of the new venue very shortly.

Spring forward!

For all those attending the lure fish-in on Sunday dont forget that the clocks go forward on Saturday Night! See you all there bright and early.

MARCH 2011 FISH-IN & BUFFET

THE DEVON PIKE
ANGLERS CLUB PRESENTS:

2011 SPRING FISH-IN/BUFFET

FRIENDLY COMPETITION - BUFFET - TACKLE SWAP MEET

Sunday 27^th MARCH

Meet at Sampford Peverell car park 7:30am (8:00 start 14:00 finish)

Followed by a free buffet at the Barge Inn, Halberton, bring your second hand/unwanted tackle with you and either sell or swap it.

●Prize for best fish

●Only Lures permitted.

● Please bring scales and, if possible, a digital camera

NB: Entrants must have valid club permit (day tickets will be available on the day) and the usual PAC Pike Care guidelines apply.

(i.e.: you MUST have a large net & unhooking mat, tools etc)

Any other queries: 07804 240986

February meeting cancelled.

Dom and I are very sorry but due to circumstances outside our control the meeting in February has had to be cancelled. Plans are afoot to make the last meeting of the season in March a fish-in on the Grand Western Canal on a Sunday morning followed by a free buffet lunch at the Barge pub afterwards, any thoughts on this would be welcomed if only to get a rough idea of numbers.