“Stunning” pike secures revived Perch & Pike cup

January 6, 2015

A ‘stunning’ pike weighing in at close to 9½lb handed angler Bryan Butler the reinstated Pike & Perch Cup, organised by South Stoke Angling Club and sponsored by local Brakspear pub the Perch & Pike.

More than 15 fishermen took part in the contest, held on the Sunday before Christmas. Licensee at the Perch & Pike, Alex Koniotes, who was instrumental in reviving the competition, said, “Before the day, the worry was that catching a pike would be difficult, but in fact one was snagged within two hours and it was the perch that proved elusive, as the river was flowing fast.

“We served warming soup and beer to the hardy anglers and presented trophies back in the pub.  Everyone enjoyed the day and we were pleased to have helped to bring back the Perch & Pike Cup.   We’ll definitely be supporting it again next Christmas.”

The Perch & Pike Cup was a popular fixture in South Stoke until around 30 years ago when it stopped taking place, until 2014. It challenges anglers to catch the largest perch, pike and combined weight of both.

The South Stoke pub is the only Perch & Pike in the country.

Images show (top) Bryan Butler with his winning pike and (bottom) Bryan collecting his trophy from Perch & Pike co-licensee and chef Chris Pool