The LAS Predator Cup 2025: A Tough Weekend on Rutland Water

Over the weekend of 20th–21st September 2025, Rutland Water hosted the prestigious LAS Predator Cup. Known for testing even the most seasoned anglers, this year’s competition proved especially challenging, with many teams struggling to catch across all three target species.

The format demanded a strong all-round performance: competitors were tasked with landing 2 pike, 3 zander, and 4 perch, with 100 bonus points awarded for catching one of each species and another 100 points for completing the full card. The minimum scoring lengths added another layer of difficulty—pike at 60 cm, zander at 40 cm, and perch at 25 cm.

Despite the tough conditions, there were standout performances. Only the winning team managed to fill the card, securing their victory with a well-earned all-round effort.

One of the weekend’s highlights came from Dan Brackley, who landed not one but two pike over the metre mark. His largest, a superb specimen weighing 30 lbs on the nose (112 cm), secured him the prize for biggest pike of the competition.

Final Results:

• 1st Place: Eric Edwards & Ian Crook
• 2nd Place: Dan Brackley & Lee Brackley
• 3rd Place: Tiberiu Nica & David Jacobs

Individual Awards:

• Biggest Perch: Alan Robson – 41 cm
• Biggest Zander: Ian Crook – 71 cm
• Biggest Pike: Dan Brackley – 112 cm
• Eyes with Fins (smallest scoring fish): Dan Brackley – 25 cm perch

The event was made possible thanks to the hard work of Eric Edwards and Jamie Potts, whose organisation ensured smooth running throughout the weekend. Appreciation also goes to Anglian Water Fisheries for their ongoing support, and to the event’s sponsors, Rapala UK and Spinlock UK, for their invaluable contributions.