Oxford specimen hunter Steve Kilbee took his chance of a break in the weather to catch a cracking winter pike from the Thames near the city, writes ANDY WEBBER.

Although there was snow on the ground, the conditions were quite settled and the river looked in good nick.

You tend to get only one chance on these occasions and when Steve’s bite came, he made no mistake.

He used legered smelt to tempt the fish which went 19.4.0 on the scales.

Big pike expert Paul Gustafson was on hand to take the pictures before the fish was returned With the thaw, there is a lot of dirty water in our rivers and this weekend’s prospects look grim with the Thames over its banks in places.

If you do fancy a go, small baits, small hooks and light lines are the order of the day as the fish are going to be very cold and not be moving around much.

The ever-obliging chub should be looking for food and will take most baits, but one bait which stands out is bread.

It can be used as a paste, flake and crust or even mixed with cheese to make a really good paste. It can be liquidised and put into a cage feeder in conjunction with a piece of flake.

Meanwhile, former Oxford angler John Cadd was in the news before the big freeze when he landed a 71b 8oz chub from the Hampshire Avon.

The big lump took maggot presented on a size 16 hook fished with a maggot-feeder.

IF you have any news, views or photos, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email agw@awebber20.orangehome.co.uk MATCH DIARY Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Oakfield: Tel 01296 770899.

Panshill: Tel 07740 619991.

Sunday North Oxford AS: v Charlbury, Evenlode. Draw 8.30am.

Kidlington: Henderson Cup, Oxford Canal (NOAS). Draw 8.30 at Green Road SC.

Masons: Club match, Aristotle Lane/Walton Well Road. Draw 9am.

Yarnton: Club match, Ridgeway. Draw 9am.

Oxford Bus AC: Club match, School Waters. Draw 7.30am.

Cuddesdon Mill VAA: Ken Cook Memorial Cup, Thame at Chiselhampton. Draw 8.15am.

Stable Lake Winter League: Stable Lake. Draw 9am.

Jolly Anglers: Club match, Oxford Reach. Draw 7.30am.

Dorchester: Abbey Cup, Thame (DB). Draw 8am.

ODAA waters booked Sunday Clifton A, B, C, D.