PREDATOR FISHING
Anglers tend to catch far more of the fish a little lower on the food chain, such as carp and trout, as compared with strictly predatory fish. Not only are there fewer of them, but they usually live much longer and grow wily in their old age. You may need to spend a great deal more time, per pound, when predator fishing, but the excitement and challenge that comes with such a predatory fight is worth the extra wait to angler who cherish a good fight.

The most common freshwater predators you'll likely encounter in the UK freshwaters include pike, perch, catfish and zander. Among these, pike is by many to be the most important. These fish may not feed quite as often, but when they bite, you know you've been bit.

In fact, pike have been known to take off the big toes of full-grown adults if they're not careful. Moreover, the speed and power with which predator fish tend to strike is enough to get anyone interested.



This is especially true when taking a boat out into deep waters. Whereas many other coarse fish prefer to stick closer to shore and in shallower waters, predator fishing is best accomplished on the edge of the habitat of their prey species. However, they can also be landed from the bank when other fish are settling down for the winter. When predator fishing, it's best to remember that these species are bottom dwellers that are accustomed to both mucky and clear waters – wherever their prey are found, they'll be found. The challenge is to hook them instead of snags.

Pike and other predator fish are also known for their ability to dive and take a whole bunch of line (and sometimes you rod if you're not careful) with them. Though many people do use rod holders (where legal) and alarms with night-fishing expeditions, many find that close monitoring is the best course of action.

Predator fish are especially fond of live bait, though spoon and spinner lures are also very commonly used. In fact, no other type of fish has as wide an array of lures on the market as pike and other predator fish. Regardless, a combination of both live and lure baits is considered best by professional anglers for predator fishing.

The waters that are best for predatory fishing are, generally, those where other fish are found. Look for steep drop-offs and cold deep waters where they can hide. The challenge and glory of landing these fish is like a drug to anglers – once you've gotten a taste of it, you'll never have enough.

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