An Adventure Into The World's Best Pike Fishing Waters

The weather was typical for an autumn's day in Sweden. Blue sky, crisp air and total piece and quiet. The stage was set.

Our aluminium boat bobbed gentle from side to side causing the only audible sound for miles around. My guide for the day Hans had assured me that the spinner currently on my line was a good one. What did I know. They all looked the same to me. I just wanted to catch a large pike.

God, the environment here is just unbelievable! I found myself saying this over and over again. Stockholm’s inner archipelago is a hidden gem. I’ve heard it being said before and I’ve read a few articles on it but I could never imagine how beautiful it really was.

My reel was working over-time. I eagerly wound in the spinner at speed which was causing the fish line to jig around slightly as it headed in back towards the boat. “Just take it easy”, was the advice from Hans, who incidentally has caught some of Sweden’s largest Pike and featured in over 40 TV documentaries around the world. They were to be wise words.

I still had the remnants of a ham sandwich in my mouth when the my spinner suddenly snagged something. I flipped back on my rod and heard the distinct clicks of the reel. “What have I snagged now”, I thought as I began to turn the reel in some more. Wait a minute! I could actually feel something pulling the line.

I turned to look over my shoulder in the direction of my guide, only to notice he was in the process of landing what turned out to be a fairly large perch. “I think I might have caught something” I announced.

By now it was obvious that whatever I had caught was not going to be landed without a fight and what I fight it turned out to be. With instructions coming in loud from over my shoulder I struggled to bring the fish under control as the line whizzed out more than I was reeling it in.

I was lost in battle. So much so that I nearly fell out of the boat. If it was not for the rescue by an intervening arm I would have had an early bath. Damn this is beginning to be hard work. No wonder, the familiar shape of a pike momentarily broke the waters surface as it made another dive down under the boat. Wow that look big!

The net came to the rescue, as my guide lowered it into the water and instructed me to try and steer the pike into its direction. Easier said than done. I don’t think I’d even had time to swallow my sandwich in all the excitement.

“Take a look at that!” announced Hans, “That’s a beauty”. It sure was. I’d seen nothing that large in my life. You could have fit your head in its mouth! Weighing in at 9.4kg, it was the biggest fish I had ever caught.

It was one of three I caught that day and the icing on the cake of what was a wonderful day. No matter where you’ve fished before or your skill level, this is an experience not to be missed. The equipment was top notch the location was incredible and the fishing was great.

Thanks to my guide Hans for his patience and taking me to such a special place!

This package is available at www.ActivitiesInSweden.com

Stockholm's advantages tempt the Stag & Hen Market

As people seek new and original ways of celebrating a stag or hen party, the more traditional knees up at a local UK seaside resort has been substituted for a more original overseas option.

With the birth of the budget airlines which are now popping up all over Europe, the overseas destination has never been so affordable. Barcelona, Prague and Budapest have all benefited from this British exodus, as they now duel and undercut one another in the attempt to attract the fun hungry Brits. Unfortunately, they have been so successful, that these cities have become a home from home. Not offering much more than the usual British piss up with their streets filled with drunken Brits staggering around in search of a familiar kebab house. This has lead to a larger number of groups in search for a more original destination, that can offer them more than just cut price beer and drunken bodies lying in the gutters.

Stockholm has become one of these destinations. Able to offer groups a wonderful selection of original activities in a clean and safe environment has made this Scandinavian city a popular choice. Benefiting also from the low fares airlines, Stockholm has seen a sharp rise in incoming tourism. Flights can now be found for as low as £30 return with Ryanair.

In the past Stockholm has rightly been labelled as expense but this is no longer the case with prices now lower than the popular destinations such as London, Paris, Oslo and Copenhagen. Yes, alcohol is expensive in the centre of Stockholm but no more so than London. The night-life rivals any city around the world, with hundreds of stylish restaurants, bars and clubs. Stag parties also benefit from being surrounded by the most beautiful girls in the world!

The weather in the summer months is glorious, with the sun barely sinking below the horizon before it rises for a new day. There's no stranger experience than sitting outside a club at 2am in the morning, with the sun shinning on your face and the birds singing in the trees, paradise. Home of the hit musical Mamma Mia,Stockholm also offers a range of great shows and events, available all year round.

The city is also surrounded by the naturally spectacular archipelago's. Made up of over 20,000 islands, it makes for a great destination for group activities such as sailing, RIB boat, fishing, kayak or just for visiting one of the many secluded beaches dotted around this very special place.

Even during the winter months Stockholm offers a dramatic destination for groups. With the streets white with snow, people skating and fishing on Stockholm's frozen lakes and the hotels sauna ready to warm you up, it really is a winter wonderland not to be missed!

If you'd like to know more about Hen/stag celebrations in Stockholm, take a look at ActivitiesInSweden.com. They offer a great selection of packages, including bar guides, go-karting, stock car rally, quad bikes, RIB boat adventures, shooting and many more. All have been specially prepared for the larger groups looking for an original and exciting weekend.



Stockholm, you'll not be disappointed!