The latest pike fishing experiment at Farmoor Reservoir, near Oxford, has proved as tough as ever, but two fish have been recorded in the last week.

Farmoor I and II trout fisheries have been open for piking from bank and boat, and two different specimens of 10lb have been captured by Peter Coates, from Eynsham, and Oxford Mail contributor Gerald Stratford.

Both fish came from the banks of Farmoor I, which is open every day for piking until the end of February.

There are fewer opportunities to fish Farmoor II for pike, with today until February 10 presenting the next chance.

The venue was closed this week because of the snow, but hopes to open again this weekend.

Peter used legered sardine, while Gerald’s fish took mackerel.

Some very big pike have been spotted, but they are few and far between and fishing for them is a waiting game.

Said Gerald: “Peter told me he had had 35 sessions at Farmoor after the pike since 1996 and this was his first fish, so he deserves a medal for his perseverance.”

A third pike of around 10lb was caught on a booby the same day.