Dawn Pike Ambushes, Hickling Broad
Hickling Broad's Walking Boatyards hold 20–30 lb pike at first light
May mornings see jacks slashing reed fringes from the Walking Boatyards to Broad Point. Water sits about half a metre above datum after spring rains, clearing the shallow flats; pike patrol 1–5 ft depths and hit between 05:00 and 08:00 as temperatures edge 12–15°C.
Local reports name deadbait captures to 15 lb early AM, while lures score perch and jacks in boatyard channels. Drift runs in a 20 ft canoe often bring follows inside 10–20 minutes when anglers paddle silently down reed channels.
Canoe stalking and tackle
Approach parallel to reed margins, cast into 2–4 ft weed pockets and work a steady hop retrieve. Best weedless shads are 4–6 in paddletails in motor oil or chartreuse rigged Texas style, and larger 5 in boot-tail options for bigger girls. Use 7-8ft spinning rods matched to 20–50 g, 30 lb braid and a 4/0 EWG for clean hookups.
Wading is limited to firm gravel channels at the Boatyards; knee-deep, firm ground only. Avoid Broad Point outer reeds where silt gives after a few steps. Chest waders, spiked soles and a probe staff keep anglers safe while polaroiding the shallows.
Pike are peaking post-spawn and attack shads aggressively; perch school tight on weed edges and zander remain nocturnal in the deeper channels. At first grey light a surge through the milfoil often ends with a 20 lb jack exploding through the surface.
Recommended: light spinning rod