Feedback please.

I have had the most amazing and frustrating weekend.
Let me explain.
Went to the Lincoln area and fished the reducing flood waters. as the water began to clear. The fishing was visual and very exciting. The pike were taking small lures and plugs. Whereas the perch were taking larger lures and plugs. These takes were aggresive with only 1 miss.

Yesterday I was fishing in Oxford.
I had 6 takes and no hook ups. this was on plugs. I varied the speed of retreive and even changed the plugs to the trusty rubber bodied Shad. I even saw the pike come charging in "head but" the plug and veer off

My feeling is the spot on the Oxford river is very popular which has been over fished with the result of the predators are now shy.
The question is.
How do I hook into the shy fish?
What alternative methods would produce the takes required?

The answer is; annoy the pike!
My brother suggested that I use the noisest lure that I have. Big S lure with a balbearing in the body. (Sounds like a rattle). On the third retreive I landed the little beauty approx 3 kilos.
However any other info would be greatly appreceated as I am a total novice when it comes to pike and predater fishing.
I also went to a weir where there was a lot of surface movement, but the water flow was very strong. What method would you guys suggest in those circumstances?

[madcaravanner]

The annoyance factor is a big one with bored pile who've seen lures before they just get angry and BANG

When it comes to weirs don't try the boil try a little further down from it where there is some quieter water for the pike to rest in
Remember pike attack usually from a hide out so look for reeds or large rocks with eddies behind

Buddy, I here what you are saying and I will try it as soon as I get the opportunity.
But just to let you know I had a succesful trip today landing my biggest fish yet. I just wish I knew how much it weighed.

[madcaravanner]

Originally Posted by Andyrew

Buddy, I here what you are saying and I will try it as soon as I get the opportunity.
But just to let you know I had a succesful trip today landing my biggest fish yet. I just wish I knew how much it weighed.

I know that feeling broke my scales looks like Argos are going to £5.99 off me for a cheap replacement

You know what. I never thought of Argos as a source for fishing equipment.
Please let me know how you get on with them.
What else do they supply?
Forget that I will go and look myself.
I am assuming that you will have to wait for the scales to be delivered?
So in your estimation what would a fat 38 inch pike way?