Chub Fishing - PIKE ATTACK! (Video 118)

[@neilpotts2368]

Another cracking video Mark. Love these small rivers & tributaries. The rod looks a perfect length for the job. Keep them coming!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Neil glad you enjoyed it, yes the Ultralight is spot on, lovely action and cracking quality.

[@grahamcutler3734]

Lovely fish Mark even the pike had nice markings on it. All the very best for the new year.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Graham, the pike was in good condition, not so sure about poor Mrs chub after she met her toothy adversary. Best wishes to yourself and family for a healthy 2018.

[@spittz3939]

Another fantastic video Mark!! Shocked to see a pike take a chub of that size! Fishing is full of surprises!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it, yes I was pretty shocked as you could probably tell when those words slipped out.

[@mrva6309]

2 fish one rod, that is a rare sight. Keep it up, love your videos.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mrva, it was quite a sight for me too. Glad you are enjoying the videos my friend.

[@johnryanbadumar7702]

Great episode Mark. It seems i use the same netpole. It goes to 16.5 ft and is fully adjustable. Greetings lad! and keep it going!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks John, yes it is a brilliant landing net pole and not too expensive, this one sounds similar to yours but is shorter. Thank you I will keep the videos coming.

[@markportlock5255]

Just found your channel mooching for chub vids (live in Singapore and miss my small river angling!). The first two vids I watched being the clonking Perch one and this one! Awesome Day out this one. You're clearly a talented angler and enjoyable to watch given your enthusiasm / energy. Great stuff.

[@francolinobasco]

Wow Mark Singapore, that is a long way to travel for a fishing trip too. Thank you so much for your kind words and also for subscribing too. I did meet a chap last year on one of my local rivers, he was back in England visiting family and said to me he comes home every Christmas or new year and funnily enough he also lives in Singapore, are you this same person? My apologies if you are not the same chap.

[@troutking7986]

Absolutely, what an excellent piece. Mark clearly is a thinking angler with huge talent and infectious enthusiasm. Loved the pike attack. Just shows you how big they can be in relatively small rivers. Looking forward to the next one!

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there David and can I say thank you for such kind words. You're not wrong about the pike, did you know that the record for this river is actually 29lb.

[@johnoakley3068]

Really nice video Mark, smashing few Chub you had there. Just wanted to mention that tree you were fishing near when you had the Pike attacked Chub, I used to fish a swim with a tree just like that, and I discovered that at the base of the tree was a colony of big, juicy, black slugs. They were there all year round, and the Chub absolutely loved em! Thanks again for a really nice video, all the best to you.'

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks John, the chub were certainly on the feed and rather welcome, I did lose a couple too. That is interesting what you mention regarding the tree roots swim, so bascially the swim you mention was acting like a natural larder for an angler, I have had quite a few chub on slugs, oddly I usually found the black ones to work better than brown, perhaps that is just coincedence.

[@johnoakley3068]

Hi Mark, yes, the tree was certainly a natural larder for black slugs, and I think you're right that the Chub prefer the black variety to the Brown ones, I've always found that to be so anyway.

[@stephenisom6089]

well mark i did laugh when you told the pike to leave the chub alone .///you get some good fish from small rivers ,around our way the small rivers are hard or desperate .///the big rivers can be a pain at times too,./ are the rivers you fish day ticket or season ticket ,..or free mark,.//well i did enjoy the video and i have seen a few of yours now,.. brilliant mark keep them coming,. looking forward to your ware to stay and fish guide of britain ,...tight lines mark..///

[@francolinobasco]

haha Stephen, it did take me by surprise too! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. I fish quite a few different bits of river, they range from club stretches where day tickets are available, free fishing and also private.

[@johnwelander9783]

Another great video, these are fantastic viewing Mark, many thanks once again!

[@francolinobasco]

Many thanks John, it is just good to know that people such as yourself and others are enjoying the videos in such a way.

[@1000000trs]

oh what a super video in so many ways. Added it to the the "watch later" list where it will stay, as I know I'll be coming back to it more than once, and over many moons.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tim, it was nice to get out fishing and that is putting it mildly, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@andyyoung6073]

The Johnnie Wilson touch! Can't believe so many good fish from one small swim! Thought the first one would spook em. Perfect vid mate!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Andy, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good and the fish were holding up and willing to feed in most swims. Generally speaking with chub if you can get them competing and there is a few in the swim you can usually keep their confidence up for a while with a sensible application of feed.

[@SJ3ree]

Nice video mark,and it shows a fish with scars is not a bad fish,just has survived some rough times 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Joey, yes it just means it has lived a bit and has a tale or two to tell.

[@markmott5578]

Absolutely amazing mate. Great fishing. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark, it was something else to land both the pike and that chub at the same time on the 1 ounce tip and mini feeder rod,

[@barryfisherman4145]

Great vid mark. Lovely chub. And ave a merry Christmas and to your mum cos she helps with ur excellent vids by taking you there. Looking forward to new vids. Probably in new year now. But something to look forward to mate.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Barry and Best wishes for a happy Christmas to yourself and family too. I'll pass on your Christmas greetings to my mother.

[@musicalear1]

I have been flicking through many fishing videos as I am returning to fishing after a ten-year break, loving your videos Mark, very good watching, informative and I'm hooked, excuse the pun. Fantastic work, you have got my reel finger twitching for sure, tight lines mate...

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Nigel and thank you my friend, just happy you are enjoying the video content on my channel, that is always good to hear from another angler and welcome back from your ten year break too.

[@nige6327]

Awesome. Great fishing Mark. Hope to see you on the banks this coming season

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Nige, I suspect if you're local we might bump into each other at some point.

[@nige6327]

I'll be working in Surrey for the next couple of years. I've had some great times on the Loddon so looking forward to seeing it again. Just gonna concentrate on the Barbel and Pike.

[@garethjamesplunkett]

Smiles on my face all the way. Great stuff. Never fail to deliver mate. Top rod.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gareth, I have my moments, the "get off of him you bar steward" being one of them lol.

[@garethjamesplunkett]

You did very well. Panic Stations and all.. Btw ..Beard suits you chap.

[@johnrussell3051]

Mark Erdwin I have just started to whoch the videos they are great p.s how do you cook the birdseed and how long do you for thanks John 😊

[@robwilson4894]

Merry Christmas to you Mark, and thanks for the films. Your enthusiasm for fishing and appreciation of every catch is infectious, and inspiring. i hope you have a chance to go fishing again before the year is out!

[@francolinobasco]

Merry Christmas to you too Rob, you're very welcome regarding the films, thank you for taking the time to watch them.

[@gavt3082]

Great video and session as always. Thanks Mark and hope you have a great Christmas. Gavin..

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gavin, it was nice to get out and also catch a few. Thank you for the seasonal wishes, the same to yourself and your loved ones.

[@georgs5870]

Ohh, that pike was of the ambitious breed for sure. Great video, Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Wasn't it just? Bit off more than it could chew methinks.

[@bones.71]

Cracking video.Your films over the past couple of years have inspired me to try out my local small rivers this season.Proper fishing

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Bones71, it's nice to know that I have perhaps tempted a few people out on to our smaller waterways as there is some marvelous, forgotten or obscured fishing available.

[@markpilley9538]

Brilliant video and top angling as always Mark! Capturing that pike attack was an exciting moment! It's ashame about the damage the chub went away with but just one of life's little scars, most of us will sustain a few here and there throughout life, shall give him character and make him a fish you shall def recognise shall you'll ever catch him again. Look forward to our next trip, we shall have to plan one asap.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Mark, cheers mate, it was good to see that the go-pro caught that moment, not to mention those immortal words (honestly need to sew my mouth up at times lol), but it took me so much by surprise, one minute golden chub and next it is attempting headfirst dentistry on Mrs esox, never a good idea! You're right much like life scars for us humans, it will add character, I was just thankful that it was not a fatal bite on a soft tissue area. We shall have to plan a trip, perhaps some time after Christmas would be good.

[@siedinboro4479]

One of your best Mark and I think all the others are very very good.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Simon.

[@kevinlawrence7541]

great video Mark some nice Chub and a pike .(unfortunately for the chub)...looks a lovely little stretch of river...

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, that poor chub didn't know what had hit it, mind you it took me by surprise too!

[@vernsberetvernsberet2481]

Love these type of locations mate,,cant beat 'em..great vid 👌

[@francolinobasco]

I totally agree with you Vernsberet, tranquil and a bit off the beaten track.

[@fenlandanglingadventuresje7329]

Merry Christmas Mark. Hope you get out over the hols to show us chaps a bend or 2 in Mr. Drennan.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jerry and the same to yourself and your loved ones, have a good Christmas and hopefully I'll be out for a spot of fishing.

[@fenlandanglingadventuresje7329]

Mark Erdwin I might even get out myself for a skimmer and a Roach.

[@andredevries4987]

Another very Nice video and Some very Nice fish.I love to see you fishing mark.Greats andre.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Andre, it was nice to be able to share this video with you too.

[@ianmiller865]

such a lovely relaxing show you make, keep up the great work as we love it, its just like being there fishing.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Ian, it is always good to know you guys find the video content so enjoyable. I am hoping to have a new video up soon.

[@HampshireAnglingTV]

Glad you enjoyed your trip back out! Well done on chub and that pike was one greedy sod haha!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tom. Yes wasn't it just, greedy guts, certainly made me think that golden flanked chevin was brown bread, or as you would put it "toast" (remember that photo) lol.

[@HampshireAnglingTV]

Mark Erdwin Hahaaaa indeed! Glad it wasn’t toast, as it certainly was a cracking chev!

[@FrenchFishing]

Nice story with that pike Mark. And well done with the chub. More to come next year hopefully. For me as well.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Thomas, the pike was a surprise, I hope you had a good Christmas.

[@adrianbrown01]

Great video Mark, I'm a newbie to your channel, now subscribed after watching a few of your vids. I love the way you travel light so you can move about. First time I've seen someone do that. Keep em coming buddy and I wish yourself and your family a happy Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Adrian, firstly thank you for subscribing that is very good of you. Yes I try to keep things to a bare minimum if I can as it easy to make things far too cumbersome. Thank you for the Christmas wishes, Ill be sure to pass them on to my family and I'd like to wish you a healthy and happy Christmas.

[@steve00king]

Another great vid Mark I always look forward to watching them ! The double catch caught on film was a rare sight to see ! Fantastic

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Steve, thank you, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video,I believe we follow each other on instagram too. Yes I was lucky to net that pike, it did not want to give up its meal.

[@mart2mart]

Many thanks for sharing yet another enjoyable video Mark, its much appreciated. And forget the deadbaits when you do venture out after Pike, just livebait a 4lb Chub instead!!! Martin.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Mart and you're welcome, thanks for pulling up a chair and watching my videos. Haha yes a 4lb chub or perhaps a full size duck.. lol

[@00markelliott00]

What an amazing video! Superb mate. What a session.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark, it was nice to find the chevin in a willing frame of mind, although the pike attack did surprise me, that greedy old Esox..

[@jamesecone]

Another fantastic video Mark, keep at it!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks James, certainly will.

[@HN-ik1yz]

Hi mark another excellent video, not sure if I’ve asked this already but I was wonder weather an eel fishing video could be made maybe in when the weather gets warmer but I think it would make for a really interesting watch.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you HN, that is also a very interesting suggestion, I believe I have a couple of reasonable lakes for eels too.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

id like to see an eel video or a river flounder dont hear about people targeting them

[@speedmasterllr]

Another cracking session there Mark, Merry Christmas and tight lines for the new year. Larry

[@francolinobasco]

Good evening Larry and thank you, it was good to find the Chevins on the feed and that rather random, dare I say greedy pike. Thank you for the Christmas and new year wishes, I hope you and your loved ones have a pleasant and more importantly healthy Christmas and start to 2018.

[@КириллБушма]

Cool video, Mark! Lots of beautiful confident bites, gorgeous fish. Keep doing! Respect from Belarus!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, yes they were very confident and feeding well, they were all in very fit and healthy condition, apart from the one that was grabbed by the pike, but apart from some cuts and bruises she swam off strongly. Also Greetings from the UK to Belarus! Thanks for viewing my videos.

[@nenemannick4455]

Another great days sport Mark,well done. That first swim you fished certainly produced more chub than I thought it would and that lightweight rod you were using certainly handled those chub really well.As for the pike incident,i know it`s frustrating sometimes but it`s what they do and we`ve just got to accept it.......it was a nice double though .I`m not the greatest of naturalists but was that a fox barking towards the end of the video ???

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Nick, there were quite a few chub in that first swim, that is why I started with loose fed maggot only, less chance to spook them straight off the bat and then followed it with the liquidised bread mix later on, I also had a couple of hook pulls in said swim, they were certainly holding up there and in a forthcoming mood. I agree regarding the pike incident, I was just worried about that beautifully enamelled chub, she was in perfect condition prior, although in reality I guess you could say she got off lightly, the pike was a nice looking double with a fairly large head to it. The barking you could hear is not vixen it is a deer, it can be easy to confuse the two, although generally I'd say the deer has an almost hoarse/raspy "rah rah" bark to it, whilst a fox usually turns my spine cold regardless of how many times I hear one and tends to sound more like a shrieking sound, a bit like a banshee at times. The following video from around 1.50 onwards is the bark a deer makes kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3a6q5pqms59pK8

[@Listermintsluesh]

Superb video. Wow wow. Great to go light as well. I'm setting up to do some lure fishing roving about but weather put me off a bit...soon hopefully cheers mate!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gazza, I do prefer fishing with as little to carry as possible, it's very enjoyable and frees you up a bit. Some lure fishing, I like the sound of that, best of luck to you when you go mate.

[@davewalker2167]

Well done chap.some luvly chevins there,always a pleasure to watch ur vids. Very funny bit there when the pike attacked.quite astonishing really!! Brought back a (painful) memory for me when i got attacked by a pike whilst washing some ground bait off my hands in the margins & this jack clamped its jaws around me!! God did i scream!! Even took a pic of my hand afterwards. Still have visions of them beady black eyes staring at me with my hand in his big toothy gob!! Anyways..great to see you out & about again mate.as always i look forward to ur next outing. Cheers fellah. .

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Dave, I must admit looking back it was funny to see how much it took me by surprise, Esox getting between chub angler and his golden flanked prize haha. Wow I can't say I have ever been bitten by a pike whilst washing my hands in a river, now that would certainly make you jump. Thank you for the kind words, it is a pleasure to share the videos with yourself and everyone else.

[@declengray1889]

Great video mark superb fishing keep up the good work

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Declan, I hope you have a good chub fishing trip next week.

[@declengray1889]

Mark Erdwin cheers bud let’s hope so

[@raywestwood2900]

That will be a great beard just like before, very good video and what chub , you are lucky to be able to fish these rivers. I would like to wish you and your long suffering mum and dad and all yours a very happy Christmas and the chance to catch a big one over the break. Cheers and Happy Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Ray I am hoping the beard will be, cheers regarding the chub fishing, it was a very good trip, also thank you for your kind message regarding mum and dad I'll pass it on to them and at the same time like to wish you and your family a safe, happy Christmas.

[@robbourne670]

Another brilliant video, and a good session. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 👍🏻🎅🏼

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rob, glad to know you enjoyed it and Merry Christmas to yourself and family, have a safe and healthy one.

[@allothatallothat8934]

Nice to see u release that pike with respect I’ve been fishing for years and love pike myself however some people who have spoke to me while I’ve been fishing on rivers have told me how much they hate pike , could never understand it myself as I am a fan off catching pike

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you and I do love pike although do not fish for them as much really. I will never understand why some people kill them or hate them, they play such an important role in the aquatic eco system.

[@allothatallothat8934]

Mark Erdwin exactly some people give them such a harsh deal when they do nothing wrong it’s stupid anyway keep up the good content mate u always make me laugh

[@att20831]

Another great session - looks like your fishing fast was well rewarded! Hope you're Now to get out and enjoy the rivers over the coming weeks.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Andy, yes you could say that, it certainly was a very rewarding trip. Believe me I hope so too as it is always nice to share a video across to you all.

[@tomwinterfishing9065]

Hello old chap! Haha, that second one gave you a run for your money :P I need to get my arse bankside, that's for certain! Mooch down the canal might be in order this weekend...

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Tom, how's it going? That second one did put up a hearty scrap, quite a large tail to it too. Ah a little bit of canal mooching sounds good, mind you saying that some Thames roach fishing would be nice.

[@tomwinterfishing9065]

Well, the Thames has given me a bloody nose a few times over the autumn, so it's on my naughty list atm! Plus, I've got a new pole that needs putting through its paces... Trouble is, I can never decide where to go! I'd like to fish a long(ish) pole for roach, but my usual banker spot is an out and out whip venue, so I might have to take a gamble and try somewhere new...

[@anthonyperry1322]

Cracking vid again mark loved the chub you caught and that greedy pike keep at it m8 😀👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Anthony, it was nice to get amongst them, even Mrs toothy :D.

[@anthonyperry1322]

Ive not been out for a while what with my son being ill and xmas coming but im off out sunday hopefully get amongst some chub tight lines take care m8 and merry xmas

[@francolinobasco]

Sorry to hear that, I hope he's on his way to recovery. Good luck to you on Sunday and an early Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

Amazing sequence of events to net them both, and two good fish. You have the angling omens for sure. keep the beard :-)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks, I don't think that pike was willing to let go, its grip was vice like, only releasing the chub once I got both of them out on to the landing mat. Cheers regarding the beard, I think it will be staying :D

[@StNeotsTown]

Finally had time to watch some fishing videos haven't been able to get out to fish, but asoon as I can I will, very much enjoyed watching this, haven't watched anything in ages so great to see some ever so reliable chub action, loved the rod tip prods that moment you know a fish is having a munch down on the bait but thinking do I don't I? not just yet.. okay bang that is enough come to my landing net lol, shocking pike attack oviously had eyes bigger than its belly very much like the chub haha! tight lines and wet knees Mark :)

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Grayham, it was good to get amongst plenty of nicely proportioned chub, topped off by that five pounder. The pike was rather surprising as the chub it took was sizeable to say the least, that was one very greedy water wolf. Happy new year to yourself and your children and all the very best for 2018.

[@StNeotsTown]

Thank you Mark Happy new year to you too :)

[@stevehodges4092]

Great video and some great fish, well done Mark. Best wishes for Xmas and New Year

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Steve, it was good to get out and be able to share a new video with you guys. Best wishes to yourself and your loved ones for a healthy and very Merry Christmas.

[@MrTestcurve]

Another entertaining and informative video from the nicest bloke on KZbin, your channel deserves every success that comes it's way. Keep up the excellent work and make 2018 the year you get your driving test taken so you can wander even further and bring us videos from all over the uk. Happy Xmas and a great New Year to you and your family Mark. Cheers

[@francolinobasco]

Wow thank you Timothy, that is a very kind and well meaning thing to say and you're right about the driving test, it has dragged on a while now. Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones also, have a safe and healthy festive season.

[@Keith187066]

Superb as ever Mark, brilliant video, happy Christmas to you my friend.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Keith, happy Christmas to you also.

[@RicTic66]

It's amazing the size of Pike that lurk in Thames tributaries, I had a 17 lb fella out of the Cherwell in University parks where the river was about 10 ft across a few years ago.

[@francolinobasco]

Agreed Ric, always some beautiful fish to be found in the tributaries, the actual pike record for this river is 29lb.

[@smiff4748]

another great video Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed it as usual. Christmas greeting to you and your family. Tight lines mate.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, it was an enjoyable one to be able to share with you, thank you for the festive greetings, I hope you also have a good Christmas.

[@makaveli24k]

hey mark i loved the video that pike was nice. hope your dad is well wish you all the best and happy christmas

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Makaveli, the pike was indeed in very good health, with a fairly large head to it. My dad is not too bad thank you for asking after him. Wishing you also an early Happy Christmas.

[@TessJernriddare74]

Awesome videos and nice editing. Quality content. All a wildlife-loving woman can ask for in a channel. Keep them coming please.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you very much Tess, I will try to.

[@ronbraid6182]

Another great vid mate, wish you and your family a nice Xmas

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Ron, that is very kind of you I will pass your seasons greetings on to my mum dad and brother. Cheers glad you found the video enjoyable too.

[@jordantheallroundangler85]

Amazing video mark keep it up mate. Hope your doing well and have a happy Xmas

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jordan, I hope you guys had a brilliant Christmas too.

[@MrSandersart]

Great vid as always, Wow some catch! you did well to net both fish on light tackle. I wish you'd make the effort to get out fishing a bit more often lol. looking forward to your next one hope its not too long.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Sanders, I was lucky with the way the pike held on and was glad that the chub was relatively unharmed. I'm just glad that you chaps are enjoying these videos.

[@fenlandanglingadventuresje7329]

Well done again Mark, was well worth the wait. Before your vid I was watching a crap film called lake placid 2. So it was nice to see you catch a proper croc.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jeremy, it was nice to be able to share this video with yourself. Argh not lake placid! You know they made around four of those films? The first being the best and then rapidly down hill thereafter.

[@thebones]

Excellent Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks bones, it certainly was a bit different with that greedy pike lol.

[@thebones]

+Mark Erdwin I had the same experience with a 2lb rudd and a pike this year in France, when I first saw it, the pike had the rudd across its jaws, I was using 2/3lb line so I couldn't use too much pressure to get the pike to the net. It just stayed underneath my bank for about five minutes, when I next saw the pike it had turned the rudd and the rudd's tail was all I could see of it. The pike briefly disappeared as I hung on and it released the rudd. Amazingly the rudd was fine except for a few missing scales and a tooth mark or two!. Lucky rudd. The pike was only about 5lb max! They are extremely greedy opportunists, like perch, incredible hunters.

[@francolinobasco]

You're not wrong there, they are greedy and always quite opportunistic, I was surprised myself how relatively unscathed the chub was given it had taken to doing dental work on the pike.

[@itsgottabecarpy3994]

Quality video fella... great bit of footage of the gator taking the chub. Keep the videos coming for 2018. Health and happiness to you and your family at Christmas and the coming new year

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Barry, it certainly made for an interesting twist, it did startle me a bit. I will certainly try to keep the videos coming and thank you for your best wishes, I'd like to extend the same to yourself and loved ones, have a healthy and happy Christmas.

[@MarkCarp]

good fishing mark, I've had a few pike attacks but never on a fish that big and they've always let go, nice 5 at the end too👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mark, yes I have never seen anything quite like it, ducks attacked by pike yes certainly, but never a 4lb+ chub grabbed head first. Thanks that 5 capped off what was a very enjoyable trip and as I say just nice to be able to share it with you all.

[@mossfisher8703]

Another great video. They keep getting better Mark..if that's possible. I don't normally do 'jealous' but I am now. Great river..fish..rods..angler! You think it's mild and up here in't midlands we're waiting for 6"+ of snow to go away! Christmas greetings to the family Mark and to fellow viewers who watch your vids.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Moss, the Chub were in a very forthcoming mood, although I must agree we certainly have not seen the snow in Berkshire, we had a light dusting that vanished the same day, since then it has been a mixture of cooler nights and now heavy rainfall. Thank you for the seasons greetings, the same to yourself, I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and pleasant Christmas.

[@ianspicer1529]

Great video as ever Mark. That did happen to me once - on the Kennet; I was playing a reasonable barbel with some old creaking cane and a pin - about 6lb - when a very large pike grabbed it. Fortunately, in the ensuing commotion I was able to quickly stab the net under both fish. I expected to find the barbel horribly mangled and thoughts of tapping it on the head as a kindness were forming in the back of my mind. Incredibly however, the barbel was completely unmarked and so happily both fish were returned somewhat dazed & confused but fully fit. I think the pike was spawned out, she was very long and very lean.....and obviously desperately hungry! Well fished as ever mate; my best to you & your family.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Ian, thank you, it's always good to to hear from you and I bet that was a sight to behold as I was rather taken aback myself during this fishing trip. Although not cane, the ultralight is not really made for the rigours of a double figure pike and 4lb+ chub at the same time, but since owning it the little rod has been nothing less than an admirable performer. long live the carbon revolution (said with tongue firmly in cheek) .

[@BlackCountryPiker]

Blimey what a rare catch on video! Well played 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks, not something I have seen that often, least not with chub of that size.

[@BlackCountryPiker]

Mark Erdwin I often wonder if sometimes it’s more a “get off my laaand” and being territorial. I think in your case definitely eyes bigger than its belly 🤣🤣

[@francolinobasco]

I think you're right, it can be territorial, I think this one was just very greedy haha.

[@johnloyd3996]

nice little spot that, water looks good, u know when its going to be a good day

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers John, yes the water had a nice look to it and you're right, there was an atmosphere that it might be a good day on the fishing front mate.

[@Senno_101]

Well done again sir 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you kindly Cheshire angling.

[@thomasmiller6731]

Had a great time watching your blog, hope you have the chance to fish soon, if not then then that’s life unfortunately,all the best to you and your family.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Thomas, yes things have not been too straight forward lately, but as you say that is life. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your kind regards to myself and family.

[@yorkshireriverrover7199]

Great session for you that Mark. Really enjoyed seeing you land them beautiful Chub.. Couldn't believe that greedy Pike grabbing that huge Chub🤤.. You probably saved both them fishes lives there 👍 will have to give your Cheesepaste ago on my local River.. thanks for sharing another great trip & merry Xmas to you & your family 🍻🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, it was a brilliant trip,it was good to find that the chevin were on form, I think you're right about saving both fish as I did think at the time that the pike could have possibly choked? I swear by my cheesepaste recipe although there is many different recipes out there, it has never let me down. Regarding the video you're very welcome, it's nice sharing them with like minded anglers such as yourself. Thank you for the seasonal wishes and I hope yourself and loved ones have a very peaceful and Merry Xmas too.

[@garyhammond8622]

You swore Mark lol. Great video as always. Cannot wait for my daughter's reaction to you with the beard . Hope things are going well in your private life.

[@francolinobasco]

Afraid I did Gary haha, I was taken that much by surprise. Things with myself are not too bad, just family related issues with health and such, thanks for asking.

[@garykeighley712]

Nice to watch 👍 love small rivers

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed it.

[@4192362]

Hello Mark, Can I commend you on the excellent quality of your videos? I very much look forward to your uploads, good traditional river fishing. Currently I’m on the hunt for a new landing net and handle, yours seems ideal for small rivers and roving? Could you let me know the make/model if possible? Keep up the great work. Luke

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much 4192362 (sorry I don't know your name). I must admit they are rather light as well and take well to being trodden on by this sometimes clumsy oath, I purchased a couple at one time from Argos many moons ago but I don't believe they are sold any more. However a quick look about has revealed an identical one, I have included a link below to it. www.tackleuk.co.uk/Shop/CarpFishingNetsHandles/Leeda-Aluminium-Extendable-Landing-Net-Handle.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInriJlsXk2AIVzLvtCh38dA3EEAQYBCABEgLSVvD_BwE P.s please do excuse my slow reply, I've got a bit of a cold at the moment and my head feels the equivalent of a water melon, but far less tasty.

[@4192362]

Thanks Mark, I’ll get on and order myself one. All the best, Luke

[@francolinobasco]

You're are welcome Luke, always happy to help.

[@sme70]

Great fishing and merry Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you mate and a safe, healthy Christmas to yourself and your loved ones too.

[@aeaeae555]

Hi Mark - Great video as usual - what's that little white angled tip at the end of your rod that sticks upwards?

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks, the little white stick is a Drennan isotope which glows in the dark and acts the same as a night light and allows you to see any bites at night.

[@dieangeln]

Lucky man to net both fish brilliant vid.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Dietmar, yes I was rather fortunate to be fair.

[@a5amr2]

Awesome video. What hook size and hooklength do you use with lobworm and do you used barbed or barbless? Thanks

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, I generaslly use a size 8 hook for lob worm and I am using barbed, with my link ledger set up I generally fish 6lb Shimano technium invisitec straight through on a, especially if the river is a snaggy one.

[@a5amr2]

Awesome. You are my favourite fisherman.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you very much, that is very kind of you to say.

[@MrChrismdd]

One word 'brilliant' (well six actually).

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Somerset Roach, always nice to know it was enjoyed.

[@cns180784]

Excellent vid and must say quite a shocking attack by that Pike considering the size of that Chub but hey, thats nature and thats what Pike do. I wanted to ask you Mark, do you always fish according to favourable weather or do you just go whenever you have the free time? do you also take into consideration the weather leading up to a session? (by that i mean a few days or up to a week before the day you intend to fish). After fishing today at that same lake as i fished Saturday, i'm finding tracking the weather before and for the day of fishing to be crucial . The fishing was fantastic on Saturday for me. Today on the same lake, same peg, and with another bait option adding to what i had on Saturday...not a single bite.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you cns, seeing it actually happen whilst connected to such a nice looking chub was an altogether different experience, it was a bit startling as it came quite out of the blue. In answer to your question regarding as to whether I cherry pick my fishing trips, most certainly not, however that said I do keep an eye on weather websites and trends especially humidity, as well as water levels (river levels uk website). For example if I am fishing for barbel during winter then I will try to pick a suitable window where the weather trend might be either cold but stable for a prolonged period or with a rising water level, temperature and humidity. But with all that said and as someone whom enjoys most species but does not drive and relies on the generosity of a very kind mother to ferry him to and fro from venues, I generally try to make fishing trips based on the "whenever possible" priniciple, but that then has to also fit in with family life, admittedly I am not married with children, but I do have a family (mother, father and brother) and my fishing is based on an understanding that it is give and take, but at the same time I do my share of online based groundwork/mapping of areas which reaps its rewards. I have placed a couple of links below of fishing trips taken in snow (chub fishing) as well as perch fishing in flooded conditions that were far from ideal for said species. The recent heavy snow skirted our locality, the most we received was a light dusting and that was a pity, as there is a certain accoustic whilst fishing in snow that is hard to rival, a quite different level of peace and tranquility. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnbCnnWjj5x2qas kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn7SZmOGadGejq8

[@richardgarbett1633]

I once had a Barbel of around 7lbs taken by the biggest Pike I've seen to date. I had the Pike on for around 5 minutes, almost got it in the net at one point. Was a top end 20 at least, me and a few mates went back with the Pike gear the next weekend, but nothing ever seen.🙁

[@francolinobasco]

Wow Richard that sounds some pike too! Isn't that always sods law you venture back with the kit for them and can't get a sniff, typical!

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Good deal Mark! 👍👍✌🏻

[@WilminMKD]

Best wishes Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Harry, wishing you an early Merry Christmas too, I hope that you and your family have a good one.

[@councilglasses]

Great vid again Mark,beard suits you

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you, another vote of confidence for the beard, it might stay this time round.

[@Rob-zq8sy]

Quality as usual Mark. Beard aah thats what it was, thought you had lost weight lol. Who says pike don't take big live baits, that was extreme could well be worth a session after them, using something smaller as bait tho.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Rob. lose weight? What is this heresy of which you speak Sir! Haha. I agree about the big live baits, clearly this pike was in a frame of mind to have a banquet rather than a snack. Yes I think you're right, a spot of dead baiting might be called for.

[@Rob-zq8sy]

Dont forget to keep us posted!

[@thehannibalsmitha-team7614]

Great angling as always + lovin the beard : )

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Sir and thanks regarding the beard, I think I'll be keeping it and in the words of Hannibal "I love it when a plan comes together" (cue A-Team theme).

[@craighunter7379]

cracking angling mate ....

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Craig.

[@JOSHCRANE]

What bird seed is in with the liquidised bread? Another great video mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Josh, the bird seed is "Haiths red band pigeon conditioner".

[@adrianneedham9620]

i love to see your vids buddy

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Adrian and thanks mate, hope you and the family have a good Christmas.

[@adrianneedham9620]

And the same to you buddy. All the very bet of wishes even if things are a little difficult at the moment

[@Senno_101]

And have a merry Christmas! 👍🏻🎄🎁

[@francolinobasco]

The same festive wishes to you and your family, I hope you have a good and more importantly safe Christmas.

[@charlottehammond8158]

This has made my day the bastard Hahaha!!! Oh and yes... keep the beard :P ... x

[@francolinobasco]

haha Charlotte, it just slipped out from between my teeth during that moment of surprise and thank you for the vote of confidence regarding the beard. I'd also like to wish you and your family a healthy and very Happy Christmas.

[@charlottehammond8158]

Mark Erdwin Merry Christmas !! X

[@rrplanb4030]

Superb video mate.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rebel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rrplanb4030]

Predator see a fish in distress it'll attack it out of instinct. I don't think they have time to think about size y'know.

[@francolinobasco]

That's very true, I think the main part for me was seeing such a perfectly enamelled chub of that size being clamped down on and wondering/hoping that it would be ok. Admittedly it is only nature doing what it does best.

[@rrplanb4030]

Yes, it was nice to see the chub live to fight another day.

[@janjr7357]

ha your beard is back again. looks good on you.😇😇😇😇😇

[@francolinobasco]

Yes the beard is making a come back Jan, hopefully it will keep me warm haha. Hope everything is good with yourself, how is your father? Is he ok?

[@janjr7357]

Hi Eric. nice that the ask, 2017 is almost on end, and fortunately well come through. And luckily, my dad is doing well again. my mother takes good care of him. And hope for you and me that we can enjoy our parents for many years to come. And that the lines may be tight again in 2018.

[@francolinobasco]

I'm glad to hear your father is doing good Jan, hopefully he will make a strong recovery and I agree with your sentiment, I too hope we can enjoy our parents for many years to come.

[@ew4206]

Crocs 🐊 are a royal pain when fishing matches, I had a double on single maggot.

[@francolinobasco]

Yes they can be, I was a little annoyed with the scarring that lovely chub suffered, but at the same time that is nature.

[@paulk3098]

Great video as always mark Is that the loddon?

[@steveames8286]

Great session , well worth the wait, nothing wrong with your striking in this clip👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve, it felt good to be a bit more on song as such.

[@jackmintern2373]

Hi mate where is this

[@francolinobasco]

It's the Blackwater Jack

[@rosstaylor3741]

Great vid and a super days angling old chap. Ive got to say, that beard rather suits you sir.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ross, it was nice to find a few Chevin in a forthcoming mood and thank you regarding the beard, "power to the beard!" lol.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

amazing video, greedy pike, do you think he could have eaten it? the pike was pretty big but i cant see it hahah

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it Bushcrapping, personally I think there was a higher chance that the pike may have choked on the chub.