A Dream Five Years in the Making

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with night fishing. The world shrinks to the glow of your headlamp, the sound of the river, and the anticipation of what might be lurking beneath the surface. For over five years, I’ve been chasing a 20lb-plus pike in a small, winding river in the northwest of Ireland. I’ve come close—so close—landing several high-19lb fish, but that elusive 20lb mark always seemed just out of reach. Last weekend, under the frosty cloak of a winter night, I finally caught the fish of my dreams.

The Thrill of the Chase  This river isn’t the kind of place you’d expect to hold a giant. It’s narrow, intimate, and often overlooked by anglers chasing bigger waters. But I’ve always believed that the best fish are found in the most unlikely places. Over the years, I’ve learned every bend, every pool, and every snag. I’ve caught pike after pike, many of them impressive, with several tipping the scales at 19lbs 15oz. But that magical 20lb mark always seemed to taunt me, just one cast away.

The chase became an obsession. I’d lie awake at night, replaying near-misses in my mind, wondering what I could have done differently. Each trip to the river was a lesson—a chance to refine my tactics, learn the habits of the fish, and inch closer to my goal.

Last weekend, I decided to try something different. The forecast promised a clear, frosty night, and something told me it was the right time. Armed with a dead herring and a sense of determination, I waded into the river under the pale light of the moon.

Night fishing for pike is not for the faint of heart. There’s a certain chill that comes with it—not just from the cold air or the icy water, but from the eerie stillness of the river at night. Every rustle in the reeds, every splash in the distance, sets your heart racing. As I cast my herring into the darkness, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was watching.

The bite came suddenly, without warning. One moment, the rod was still; the next, it was nearly ripped from my hands. The pike surged downstream, the reel screaming as it tore through the water. The fight was intense, a battle of wills in the dead of night. Every time I thought I had the upper hand, the fish would dive again, testing my gear and my nerves.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I slid the net under the fish. My headlamp illuminated its massive frame, and I knew this was the one. The scales confirmed it—21lbs and 6oz. A true giant, and the fish I’d been chasing for so long.

Night fishing for pike is not just about the fish; it’s about the experience. There’s something primal about standing in a river in the dead of night, surrounded by darkness and silence. The cold bites at your fingers, the frost glistens on your rod, and every sound feels amplified.

Wading with a dead herring adds another layer of intensity. There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with it—the knowledge that you’re not just the hunter, but also the hunted. Every swirl in the water, every shadow in the reeds, sends a shiver down your spine. But that’s part of the thrill. It’s a reminder that fishing is as much about the unknown as it is about the catch.
A Dream Realised
Landing that 20lb-plus pike was more than just a personal milestone; it was a testament to the power of persistence. For five years, this fish had been a ghost, a legend in my mind. I’d come close so many times, but it always managed to slip away. Those near-misses only fueled my determination, pushing me to keep trying, keep learning, and keep chasing.

And now, with the dream finally realised, I can’t help but reflect on the journey. The early mornings, the freezing nights, the moments of doubt—they were all worth it. Because in the end, it’s not just about the fish. It’s about the stories we tell, the memories we make, and the unrelenting passion that keeps us coming back.

So, here’s to the chase. To the rivers that test us, the fish that humble us, and the dreams that drive us. And who knows? Maybe there’s another giant out there, waiting to be caught. After all, the thrill of the chase never really ends.