I then began to compile a list of Fenland 30’s, and spoke to many of the captors. Some of the material I have used in my “Fenland Pike” slideshows, and many people providing me with photographs and graphical accounts of these magnificent captures.  Many of these epic tales have been published before and the captors have become Fenland legends. 

David Malin’s 33 that topped a huge catch of Pike from the Delph by the Coventry Circus Group is now part of Fenland history, as is Bob Church’s 31½ from the 16-Foot, and the first two of Barrie Rickards 5 entries. These captures are all backed up by excellent photographs and properly witnessed. These two factors are vital when disclosing big fish, particularly those over 30lb. If you have caught a big Pike and tell a mate, I’ll bet the first question is: “Where’s the Photo”? 

In fact, in the case of Stephen’s book, in the absence of photographs and witnesses, the Pike are recorded in a chapter titled: “Mysterious Monsters”.  I do not propose to separate such fish in the Fenland list, just printed “Warts and All”, and leave it up to you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions.  

The list is, I suspect, far from complete, I would think, but if any reader knows of any other 30’s, or locations of photos that I have not listed please get in touch.  This is not a money making exercise but purely a record for information to PAC Members with an interest in the Fens.  In recent captures I have not named the water for obvious reasons, unless the Captor has publicised the venue them self.  Many friends and myself fish some of them and an influx of Pike Anglers would not be popular.  

Neville Fickling wrote in his last book “Pike Fishing with Neville Fickling”: “During the late 80’s and early 90’s several different Fen Drains produced Pike over 25lb up to fish of 30lb.  Such a fish is really the fish of a lifetime, and anyone who has had a 30 from a Drain should be sitting on top of the World”.   Neville is dead right. I am still waiting for my first Drain 30!  

I am not the only one.  Bill Chillingsworth had banked 300+ Fenland 20’s when I last talked Pike with him.  A Fenland 30 eludes him still.  Likewise Alan Ward, Colin Hall and John Clements.  Three modern day Pikers who are really “on the ball”.  Their day I hope will come 

I hope this list provokes interest and comments to myself.  Please feel free to email me c/o elyfenlandpac@yahoo.com