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Retirement and forum shutdown (17 Jan 2022)
Hi,
John Howell who has managed the forum for years is getting on and wishes to retire from the role of managing it.
Over the years, he has managed the forum through good days and bad days and he has always been fair.
He has managed to bring his passion for fish keeping to the forum and keep it going for so long.
I wish to thank John for his hard work in keeping the forum going.
With John wishing to "retire" from the role of managing the forum and the forum receiving very little traffic, I think we must agree that forum has come to a natural conclusion and it's time to put it to rest.
I am proposing that the forum be made read-only from March 2022 onwards and that no new users or content be created. The website is still registered for several more years, so the content will still be accessible but no new topics or replies will be allowed.
If there is interest from the ITFS or other fish keeping clubs, we may redirect traffic to them or to a Facebook group but will not actively manage it.
I'd like to thank everyone over the years who helped with forum, posted a reply, started a new topic, ask a question and helped a newbie in fish keeping. And thank you to the sponsors who helped us along the away. Hopefully it made the hobby stronger.
I'd especially like to thank John Howell and Valerie Rousseau for all of their contributions, without them the forum would have never been has successful.
Thank you
Darragh Sherwin
pike
- dar (darren curry)
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22 Apr 2011 13:05 #1
by dar (darren curry)
Check out the angling section, it is fantastic
pike was created by dar (darren curry)
believe it or not fish scare the bejesus out of me. i am ok with trout especially the little nippers that i pull out of the dodder. but i think if i was fishing where pike are and i caught one i think i would just throw the rod in the water, scream like an oul one, and leave a trail of smoke behind me (now i do know my line would not hold a half decent pike but that goes for baby pike). but i have to over come my fears and catch one so could any one give me a run down on catching them oh and not losing fingers would be an advantage but not a priority
Check out the angling section, it is fantastic
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- JohnH (John)
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23 Apr 2011 22:29 #2
by JohnH (John)
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic Re: pike
Dar,
I've caught loads of Pike (well, more than four) and I still have two hands-full of fingers (not to mention thumbs).
A Pike's teeth aren't 'cutting' teeth like those of, say, a Shark...they are only there to grip their prey - hence why they point backwards (towards the stomach) so, when a prey fish is caught the teeth act very much like barbs which allow passage back toward the swallowing department and making it all but impossible for the prey to wriggle free.
So, hold your Pike firmly (but not so tight as to harm it) and you'll be fine.
You can use either long-nose pliers or medical forceps to remove the hook to keep your hands away from those teeth.
There really is SO much more to Pike fishing than that, but I won't hog the subject - but leave room for other Pikers to expand further on the 'Art'.
John
I've caught loads of Pike (well, more than four) and I still have two hands-full of fingers (not to mention thumbs).
A Pike's teeth aren't 'cutting' teeth like those of, say, a Shark...they are only there to grip their prey - hence why they point backwards (towards the stomach) so, when a prey fish is caught the teeth act very much like barbs which allow passage back toward the swallowing department and making it all but impossible for the prey to wriggle free.
So, hold your Pike firmly (but not so tight as to harm it) and you'll be fine.
You can use either long-nose pliers or medical forceps to remove the hook to keep your hands away from those teeth.
There really is SO much more to Pike fishing than that, but I won't hog the subject - but leave room for other Pikers to expand further on the 'Art'.
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- David (David)
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24 Apr 2011 09:41 #3
by David (David)
Replied by David (David) on topic Re: pike
Hi Dar
Ive cought a few pike and the first thing i would suggest if your noy use to catching them and the way they can fight get heavy tackle to start with the last thing you or the fish would want is for your line to break you loose the fish and he has a mouth full of hooks.Once you get more use to catching pike then change to lighter tackle.
You can like a spring loaded bar cant remember what its called but it prizes the mouth of the fish open making it easier to remove hooks.
Where abouts are you based East clare has some great lakes with some monster pike in and there used to be a a great Lake on the way to drumline just out side tipp town not very big but some good Pike i had one around 18 pound in weight also some good size rudd in there to
Ive cought a few pike and the first thing i would suggest if your noy use to catching them and the way they can fight get heavy tackle to start with the last thing you or the fish would want is for your line to break you loose the fish and he has a mouth full of hooks.Once you get more use to catching pike then change to lighter tackle.
You can like a spring loaded bar cant remember what its called but it prizes the mouth of the fish open making it easier to remove hooks.
Where abouts are you based East clare has some great lakes with some monster pike in and there used to be a a great Lake on the way to drumline just out side tipp town not very big but some good Pike i had one around 18 pound in weight also some good size rudd in there to
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- dar (darren curry)
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24 Apr 2011 11:31 #4
by dar (darren curry)
Check out the angling section, it is fantastic
Replied by dar (darren curry) on topic Re: pike
cheers David
wat size line would you recommend? i'm thinking 25lb'ish?
any suggesting on wat type of spinners would i use or would i be better off using bait?
i'm not in Clare just yet but i have to get down before the school year starts. i am really looking forward to it
Thanks. Darren
wat size line would you recommend? i'm thinking 25lb'ish?
any suggesting on wat type of spinners would i use or would i be better off using bait?
i'm not in Clare just yet but i have to get down before the school year starts. i am really looking forward to it
Thanks. Darren
Check out the angling section, it is fantastic
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- David (David)
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24 Apr 2011 11:53 #5
by David (David)
Replied by David (David) on topic Re: pike
I would use 20lb line myself and dead bait and a free running float, this will allow your bait to sink to the bottom of the lake while still giving you the visability of a float.
Clonlea lake has some great fish in it as you enter the lake grounds there is a small path on the right hand side if you follow that and i think its the first peg you come to that has given good fish in close to the margins.
Clondanagh is another good coarse lake and is good for pike you will need to get permission to go on the land from a B&B just opposite and because the lady monitors the land means it has not been over fished again dead bait works very well just stay away from the left hand side of the lake as it is very shallow and is only good for spawning fish,
Clonlea lake has some great fish in it as you enter the lake grounds there is a small path on the right hand side if you follow that and i think its the first peg you come to that has given good fish in close to the margins.
Clondanagh is another good coarse lake and is good for pike you will need to get permission to go on the land from a B&B just opposite and because the lady monitors the land means it has not been over fished again dead bait works very well just stay away from the left hand side of the lake as it is very shallow and is only good for spawning fish,
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- joey (joe watson)
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26 Apr 2011 16:29 #6
by joey (joe watson)
Location: Portlaoise, Midlands
Replied by joey (joe watson) on topic Re: pike
not trying to hijack, but how do you use the pike floats on the line? and i have a twin treble-hook line with wire trace and 10lb line, would this do for dead-baiting for pike?
Location: Portlaoise, Midlands
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- JohnH (John)
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26 Apr 2011 16:44 #7
by JohnH (John)
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic Re: pike
As David Suggests ten pound line really is a bit on the low side.
Not necessarily because of the fear of the Pike breaking your line - but when you consider the weight of the 'lead', the float - and not to mention the weight of the actual deadbait itself you probably put something close, if not over, 10lb in casting strain on the line and rod so you would really need around 20lb bs line for dead-baiting.
This becomes less essential if you aren't actually casting out, but better to be on the safe side.
John
Not necessarily because of the fear of the Pike breaking your line - but when you consider the weight of the 'lead', the float - and not to mention the weight of the actual deadbait itself you probably put something close, if not over, 10lb in casting strain on the line and rod so you would really need around 20lb bs line for dead-baiting.
This becomes less essential if you aren't actually casting out, but better to be on the safe side.
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- coaks (clyde coakley)
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09 May 2011 15:55 - 16 Jun 2011 18:32 #8
by coaks (clyde coakley)
Replied by coaks (clyde coakley) on topic Re: pike
You can like a spring loaded bar cant remember what its called but it prizes the mouth of the fish open making it easier to remove hooks.
I would strongly advise on not using these gags for Pike as they will do more harm to the fish, and i dont think its a good idea to be fishing for the Pike in the first place if you dont know how to unhook them, more than likely you would kill the fish before you can get the hooks out. I would try to get someone that has or does fish for Pike to bring you and they can show you how to unhook them properly.
I would strongly advise on not using these gags for Pike as they will do more harm to the fish, and i dont think its a good idea to be fishing for the Pike in the first place if you dont know how to unhook them, more than likely you would kill the fish before you can get the hooks out. I would try to get someone that has or does fish for Pike to bring you and they can show you how to unhook them properly.
Last edit: 16 Jun 2011 18:32 by coaks (clyde coakley). Reason: left out a word
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- douga87 (doug ashton)
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06 Jun 2011 13:20 #9
by douga87 (doug ashton)
Replied by douga87 (doug ashton) on topic Re: pike
@david. im from clare also. im mad to try catch pike but i duno where to go.. any ides?
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- David (David)
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06 Jun 2011 19:40 #10
by David (David)
Replied by David (David) on topic Re: pike
douga87 There are Plenty of places you can go ill PM you with a few names
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- coaks (clyde coakley)
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16 Jun 2011 18:31 #11
by coaks (clyde coakley)
Replied by coaks (clyde coakley) on topic Re: pike
Please do not take the advise on using a spring loaded bar cant remember whats its called but it prizes the mouth of the fish open making it easier to remove hooks (Pike Gag)as 9/10 they do more damage to the pike teeth and mouth.
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- MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
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09 Feb 2013 11:49 #12
by MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
Replied by MichaeLO (MichaeLO) on topic Re: pike
Back in past i was good in Pike fishing..the biggest which i got(in Germany) was around 15kg...still remember pain in my arms next day haha...never ever get bite by this monster....HURT LIKE HELL!!!! 
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- JohnH (John)
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09 Feb 2013 12:50 #13
by JohnH (John)
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic Re: pike
Michael,
The pike has some sort of anti-coagulant in its mouth which stops blood from clotting - I can guarantee this to be true as I once had a bad cut on my thumb from getting it caught in one's teeth and this did not stop bleeding at all, for the rest of that day, and into the night after!
But, after all the talk of Pike being such a fearful fish they do not deserve that reputation. They are awesome predators, certainly - most predators are awesome, they have to be to survive. But...very rarely will a Pike manage to catch a fit and healthy fish, they mainly prey upon older and injured specimens.
I suppose, what I'm trying to say is that, despite its image a Pike is a very delicate creature which deserves much care and attention to kindness from us when caught. Their presence in a fishery does not spell the ruination of it - far from it - they really are 'nature's janitors' and - believe me - without predators, any environment is ultimately doomed (probably even the human race).
Sorry, I have started 'soap-boxing' here but I do honestly and sincerely have a great respect and regard for Pike, they are much maligned.
John
The pike has some sort of anti-coagulant in its mouth which stops blood from clotting - I can guarantee this to be true as I once had a bad cut on my thumb from getting it caught in one's teeth and this did not stop bleeding at all, for the rest of that day, and into the night after!
But, after all the talk of Pike being such a fearful fish they do not deserve that reputation. They are awesome predators, certainly - most predators are awesome, they have to be to survive. But...very rarely will a Pike manage to catch a fit and healthy fish, they mainly prey upon older and injured specimens.
I suppose, what I'm trying to say is that, despite its image a Pike is a very delicate creature which deserves much care and attention to kindness from us when caught. Their presence in a fishery does not spell the ruination of it - far from it - they really are 'nature's janitors' and - believe me - without predators, any environment is ultimately doomed (probably even the human race).
Sorry, I have started 'soap-boxing' here but I do honestly and sincerely have a great respect and regard for Pike, they are much maligned.
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
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- anglecichlid (ciaran hogan)
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09 Feb 2013 13:08 #14
by anglecichlid (ciaran hogan)
Anyone with a aquarium can keep fish,
But it takes real skill to be a fish keeper,
And it's spongeBob,
SpongeBob lives in a pineapple under the sea
BLANCHARDSTOWN
Replied by anglecichlid (ciaran hogan) on topic pike
Hi Dar,
I've had a few double figures in time on canals and a place called portumna on the Shannon.
If your using dead baits and treble hooks and you find q decent swim be wary,
A pike taking a bait that's still in the water is more likely to swallow it and this can be bad news for them
Unless you have an outward vice!
If your only starting out I would recommend spinning for them with plugs or a trace and a single treble hook
There less likely to swallow a moving bait,
Hope this helps and stick some pictures up if you get any!
Good luck!
I've had a few double figures in time on canals and a place called portumna on the Shannon.
If your using dead baits and treble hooks and you find q decent swim be wary,
A pike taking a bait that's still in the water is more likely to swallow it and this can be bad news for them
Unless you have an outward vice!
If your only starting out I would recommend spinning for them with plugs or a trace and a single treble hook
There less likely to swallow a moving bait,
Hope this helps and stick some pictures up if you get any!
Good luck!
Anyone with a aquarium can keep fish,
But it takes real skill to be a fish keeper,
And it's spongeBob,
SpongeBob lives in a pineapple under the sea
BLANCHARDSTOWN
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- sheag35 (Seamus Gillespie)
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10 Feb 2013 02:03 #15
by sheag35 (Seamus Gillespie)
Fishkeeping the Only way to get wet and wild
currently 25 tanks, and breeding is the aim of everything i keep
location:Limerick
Replied by sheag35 (Seamus Gillespie) on topic pike
when fishing for pike i dont go under 20lb line using at least a 15lb trace with 2 trebles dead baited, to use a pike float simply tie a stop not onto your main line and set it to the depth you require and cast away, me i personally fine ledgering my method of choice and it has served me well, my best fish came by this method on the waters in annacotty where i snagged a 32lb pike a personal best with plenty in there around the 20lb mark, as for bait a nice oily half mackrel or herring seems to get em going down here
Fishkeeping the Only way to get wet and wild
currently 25 tanks, and breeding is the aim of everything i keep
location:Limerick
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- MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
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10 Feb 2013 11:27 - 10 Feb 2013 11:28 #16
by MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
Replied by MichaeLO (MichaeLO) on topic pike
Still remember going fishing whit my dad..early morning before sunrise preparing everything..smell of coffe in the air...but the best felling was when u see foog on the river or lake...breath takern exp.
Last edit: 10 Feb 2013 11:28 by MichaeLO (MichaeLO).
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- JohnH (John)
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10 Feb 2013 11:42 #17
by JohnH (John)
Written like a true romantic Michael.
I, too, recall mornings like these - I actually remember those mornings more vividly than I remember the fish caught (maybe there were none, but memory has a strange habit of being very selective, we all recall the best parts but 'block out' the less-noteworthy aspects).
I hope you returned the 15kg Pike alive to fight another day?
Unfortunately not as many Pike as deserve to get returned to the water - they deserve better than to end up either as a trophy or on someone's plate!
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic pike
Still remember going fishing whit my dad..early morning before sunrise preparing everything..smell of coffe in the air...but the best felling was when u see foog on the river or lake...breath takern exp.
Written like a true romantic Michael.
I, too, recall mornings like these - I actually remember those mornings more vividly than I remember the fish caught (maybe there were none, but memory has a strange habit of being very selective, we all recall the best parts but 'block out' the less-noteworthy aspects).
I hope you returned the 15kg Pike alive to fight another day?
Unfortunately not as many Pike as deserve to get returned to the water - they deserve better than to end up either as a trophy or on someone's plate!
John
Location:
N. Tipp
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.
ITFS member.
It's a long way to Tipperary.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
- MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
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10 Feb 2013 22:05 #18
by MichaeLO (MichaeLO)
Replied by MichaeLO (MichaeLO) on topic pike
....i did take sometime Pike coz tasty meat but if fish was over 5kg back to the water.Like u sayed not always was about the fish...contact whit nature..away from the city.
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