After four straight blanks in 2026, confidence was low heading into this river pike session. With floods easing and water levels finally dropping, I headed west for a last-minute deadbait session on a stretch of river I’ve fished for years — but from a completely new swim.
Early runs, brutal drop-backs, changing baits, chum lines, and plenty of self-doubt made this a proper grind of a day. Sardines produced action, smelt stayed quiet, and the pressure built as the light faded. With time running out, it felt like another blank was inevitable…
But fishing has a funny way of flipping the script. One moment can change everything.
If you enjoy real sessions, honest blanks, river pike fishing, deadbait tactics, and the emotional rollercoaster that keeps us coming back — this one’s for you.
???? Hit like if you’ve been there
???? Subscribe for more Fishing with Steve
???? Tight lines
Contact me or find my on social:
My Website - www.fishingwithsteve.ie
Check out my Instagram - www.instagram.com/fishingwithsteveireland
My TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fishingwithsteveireland
Get in touch with me by email - fishingwithsteve1@gmail.com
For all your fishing tackle needs checkout - https://www.sportfins.ie
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sportfins
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sportfins
Google maps shop location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tzv55zh9BuZCtYLZ8
Early runs, brutal drop-backs, changing baits, chum lines, and plenty of self-doubt made this a proper grind of a day. Sardines produced action, smelt stayed quiet, and the pressure built as the light faded. With time running out, it felt like another blank was inevitable…
But fishing has a funny way of flipping the script. One moment can change everything.
If you enjoy real sessions, honest blanks, river pike fishing, deadbait tactics, and the emotional rollercoaster that keeps us coming back — this one’s for you.
???? Hit like if you’ve been there
???? Subscribe for more Fishing with Steve
???? Tight lines
Contact me or find my on social:
My Website - www.fishingwithsteve.ie
Check out my Instagram - www.instagram.com/fishingwithsteveireland
My TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fishingwithsteveireland
Get in touch with me by email - fishingwithsteve1@gmail.com
For all your fishing tackle needs checkout - https://www.sportfins.ie
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sportfins
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sportfins
Google maps shop location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tzv55zh9BuZCtYLZ8
- Category
- Pike Fishing
- Tags
- pike fishing, river monsters, River Pike




