Was landed in under 20 mins. Got the heart pumping when I saw its mouth! Ive had better fights with Carp in the low 20's. The 37 Carp was a lazy beast too. A 29 Cat was the best fight Ive ever had. Over an hour at Tiddenfoot Lake, Leighton Buzzard.
Thats a good catch. I haven't been out for the pike yet this winter, haven't found the time. As for a fight, you can't beat barbel on a small river, or lure fishing with light tackle. I've still not broken the 20 barrier for pike so I'm a tad jealous. Have to say aswell, 1lb? are you sure? thats a beast of a roach! I would definately have returned that. Many fisheries round my way don't allow fish to be taken for bait. Stupid really as its more likely to prevent disease spread than using foreign baits.
I caught it on a whip. (The Roach). Whilst it was a lovely catch, it was caught at the lake I was fishing, so could be used. I never bring in fish but I agree with you Micky. Ive caught Roach to over 2lb (just) and as I was fishing for bait I got very lucky.
I fished a junior national back in '86 or 87', under the mentor of a good freind who died some years back of Motor Neurone Disease. (David Groom). He was a great fisherman and won some titles I think. To be honest, Ive never looked this up, but I will now. The Junior National was on the Lancaster Canal IIRC. Could be wrong.
Never caught a barbel, and would dearly love to as I have a few goals (fishing wise I'd like to accomplish). A barbel and a zander for starters.
Paul.
EDIT: Micky, your local. Great Linford, MK. Will be up there for a week in late Jan.