What will this winter bring on the pike fishing front..? That’s going to be the main topic for debate on Saturday, October 1, as predator anglers from across the UK converge on Kettering for the Pike Anglers Club’s annual convention.
The weather forecasts might look dire – but you don’t catch ’em sitting at home. And whether you’re in need of inspiration, a few tips or the latest must-have lure, the PAC is pledging to have something on offer for anglers of all ages, from seasoned hands to beginners.
And while the adults enjoy speakers like Stephen Harper, Dave Horton and Micky Jones in the 500-seat lecture theatre at Kettering Conference centre, the juniors have a day of hands-on teach-ins and workshops covering all the basics to look forward to.
Top names like Mick Brown, Gord Burton, Eric Edwards, Jules Chudgey and Denis Moules will be showing the youngsters everything from how to tie a trace, to how to make their own lures.
“The fact we get a hard core of regulars who come every year shows how many pike anglers see the Convention as the place to kick off their winter campaign,” said organiser Colin Goodge. “This year we’re pulling out all the stops for the youngsters too. We’re hoping to inspire the pike anglers of the future – as well as the current generation.”
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 joins the PAC on the day.
There’ll also be 30 stalls, including all the latest predator tackle – ranging from household names to independent rod and lure makers.
Fox are bringing along a tank where you can check out the actions of their lures before you buy. There will also be book launches and signings, while bargain hunters will be making a beeline for the now legendary secondhand tackle and lure stalls.
Stands confirmed include Fox International, Vale Royal Angling, the Tackle Shop (Gainsborough), Zoota Lures, Franglais Fishing, Dave Garner (lures), Dave Lumb Specialist Tackle, Baitbox, Pikepro, Eddie Turner, Coch-y-Bonddhu (books), Derrick Amies (book), Karen Sarkar (art), Zandervan, Chico’s Lures, the Pike Shop, Dave Smith Ultralures, Esox on Ice, Bob Buteaux, Fenland Pike (book), Graham Booth (book), Mick Brown (book), David Miller Art and Catfish Pro.
The Convention is being held at Kettering Conference Centre on Saturday, October 1. Doors open 9am. Admission is £10 adult members,
£15 non-members. For more information see the PAC website www.pacgb.com, or follow @pikelines on Twitter.
