Skeptical About Monster Fish? Jeremy Wade's Irish Pike Hunt is a Must-See!

In an enthralling episode of "Jeremy Wade's Dark Waters," the renowned angler Jeremy Wade embarks on a quest to uncover the legendary giant pike of Ireland. His journey brings him to Lough Derg, where he meets Danny Tierman, a seasoned fisherman whose family has fished these waters for generations. Danny reminisces about a monumental day from his youth, a day etched in his memory forever.

Danny recounts, "We were in there 20 minutes when we had this big pike, a once in a lifetime catch weighing almost 38 pounds." This colossal pike was caught using a copper spoon and a homemade trace, fashioned from hemato wire, as materials like fluorocarbon were unavailable at the time. Despite Danny's remarkable catch, tales persist of even larger pikes, with some legends hinting at giants weighing up to 90 pounds lurking in these waters.

Wade, driven by these legends, sets out to find one of these mythical giants. He employs the trolling method, where lures are dragged behind a moving boat, a technique that Danny's father successfully used. As Wade maneuvers the boat, he remains vigilant, adjusting the speed and depth to avoid snagging the lures on the lake bed while anticipating the moment when a rod suddenly bends, signaling a pike's strike.

The pike, formidable predators, possess highly sensitive lateral line organs that detect the faintest vibrations, and grooves in front of their eyes function like rifle sights, allowing precise targeting of fast-moving prey. As Wade navigates the waters, he observes the structure beneath, likely composed of weed beds and rocks, along with signs of small fish – perfect conditions for a giant pike to thrive.

Wade reflects on his monster-hunting career, noting that this challenge feels particularly personal. He recalls his first significant catch, a pike from a small backwater off the River Stour in Suffolk, southeast England. "I started fishing when I was about seven years old, but for the first few years, even the thought of catching a pike was terrifying," he admits. This quest for the giant pike of Lough Erne not only takes him back to his roots but also fuels his passion for uncovering aquatic mysteries.

The episode captures the essence of adventure and the timeless allure of fishing, blending the thrill of the hunt with the deep-seated traditions of Irish fishing culture. Wade's journey in search of the legendary giant pike of Ireland is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the captivating power of nature's hidden giants.