GIANT PIKE FOR FATHER AND SON!

  • Posted: 2nd January 2025
  • Author: Team DNA
It’s the time of year when our Apex Amino Bait Sprays fly off the shelves, as these bottles of specifically selected amines, amino acids and organic acid compounds have made such a difference to the catch rates of many a pike angler since their release.
Daniel Healy and his dad absolutely swear by the stuff and never leave home without a few bottles during their winter campaigns, and this year was no exception, as they both set their sights on landing a gigantic croc from a local venue.
Daniel takes up the story of an incredible campaign: “Seven weeks ago, the plan was set in motion for me and my dad’s yearly piking adventures. Prebait started, with a lot of it going in twice a week.
“After the first week of establishing the prebaited areas, we decided to drop on. After helping the old man position his rods with the bait boat, he had a pick-up and as soon as he lifted into it a savage battle in the deep water ensued, before 10 minutes later I slipped the net under a pure giant of a pike!
“My dad’s head fell off and mine wasn’t far behind, as he had snared a true giant for his first pike of the season – it was already job done for him.
“After such an amazing start, I decided to up the prebaiting over the course of the next five weeks.
“Christmas was soon here and after a lovely festive period with my little terrors and fiancée, I went on my annual festive trip of two nights. Three rods were boated out and within five minutes one was away. Even though it was a long way out, I was convinced it was the big girl after lifting into it. A decent battle from a long way out had me even more convinced, but when it popped up it was clear it wasn’t her and instead a lovely mid-double. With the rod back out and a brew made, it was another rod’s turn to burst into life and a little jack followed.
“I became convinced due to me prebaiting late after work that she might be picking the deads up at night and what happened next definitely cemented that theory. At 7.30pm, my battle commenced on my 10-footers as a fish started powering around in the margins. I finally managed to scoop it up. After she was safely unhooked and I got a good look at the pronounced yellow spot on its belly, my head fell off!
“The weight of a colossal PB for my old man when he had it seven weeks previously was 34lb on the nose. This time round, she was slightly bigger for me, crushing my personal best at 34lb 6oz.
“What a buzz it’s been to chase this giant with my old man. I’m not going to lie, it’s been special to have him with me, but for us both to get it the album was the perfect end to the year.
“I’m by no means plugging the products but the DNA Apex Amino Bait Sprays definitely had them picking out the deads, as there was plenty of free offerings dropped with the rig.”