Last cast & tightlines in 2012

Took the opportunity to escape the festive household and try for a pike 'on the fly' on the nearest bit of the Witham to home. Using a BC Pearly pike on an intermediate line, I persevered in the rain eventually get a big swirl as I lifted into a cast. On dropping the fly back into the water a large pike went for it again, but I missed the strike. He obviously had taken fright and didn't reappear even to a change of fly.

I fished on downstream meeting a pair of young swans, one of whom was more than curious to know what I was up to. Not catching anything, that's what!

On my way back to the car as the light was going I thought I'd try for that pike again. Using the Pearly Pike again I threw a few casts and on the fourth he shot out from the weed almost below my feet and nailed the fly. A big fella I judged to be about 30", a good shake and a strong plunge and he was gone. Oh b....., s..., & other expletives. On reeling in I discovered he had pulled the fly off the swivel clip, actually straightening it out. Too heavy or too heavy-handed? Well one thing is for certain I'll be back in the New year to try for him or her again!

Here's hoping your luck will be better in 2012, tightlines.