Char
Ferry nab is the only launch point on the lake now , you can still get day permits I think , rather than registering for a year , depending on how big your boat is , I can let you know if thete is anywhere else suitable for launching.
Pike are hard to catch on windermere , beacause of the sheer size of the lake , esthwaite water and coniston are easier , esthwaite is hire boat only , coniston is far more accesable