The opening round has set the bar high. Precision lure fishing, tactical nous, and moments of real drama have already shaped the competition, and with half of the original anglers eliminated, the road to the final now tightens as Round Two approaches.

What is the Lure Battle 1v1?

Brought to you by Predator Tackle – Lure Battle 1v1 is twelve of the UK’s top lure anglers in an eight-hour, head-to-head knockout competition targeting pike and perch. With no lure restrictions, only local water rules, the format allows anglers complete freedom. Some fish from fully-kitted boats with sonar and electronics, others go stripped back from the bank. The only thing that matters is what hits the measure.

Each angler has eight hours from their first cast to fill a lure battle card: three perch (scored at double length) and two pike (scored at actual length). Bonus points are up for grabs too, extra centimetres for the biggest zander, biggest chub, surface-caught fish, and a new 30cm bonus for completing a full card. Ten episodes. Nine knockouts. One champion.

Lure Battle 1v1 – Round 1 Recap

Below we’ve summarised each battle with a handy link to each episode from round one of the Lure Battle 1v1.

Episode 1 – Robbie Northman vs Will Pender

Episode One opened with a compelling head-to-head as Will Pender (Tackle Wave UK) faced Robbie Northman (Savage Gear UK), a clash of contrasting backgrounds and approaches. Pender brought an elite competition pedigree from the saltwater scene, including a Lure Angler of the Year title, while Northman arrived as a proven freshwater specialist, known for specimen pike and perch and a previous run to the Lure Battle finals.

The anglers adopted very different strategies. Pender fished a low, pressured South West river on foot, targeting early chub bonuses before turning his attention to perch and pike in difficult conditions. Northman, meanwhile, worked from a boat on the North Broads, where big fish potential came with the added challenge of saltwater surges disrupting predator behaviour.

Early on, Pender struck first with a small chub and a modest perch, but action was slow. Northman quickly seized control, building an impressive perch card with fish of 27, 34, and 36cm, maintaining momentum despite snapping a rod tip. By the halfway point, he held a clear lead and the pressure was firmly on Pender.

The decisive moment came late in the session when Northman, still hunting pike, hooked and landed a 91cm fish on light perch gear—a huge turning point that all but sealed the match. With a dominant perch card and a crucial pike on the board, Northman pulled away, while Pender ran out of time to respond. Episode One delivered a perfect opener: tactical decisions, shifting conditions, and high-pressure lure fishing at its finest.

Final Scores
Robbie Northman – 374cm (card competed)
Will Pender – 231cm

Episode 2 – Thom Hunt vs David Jacobs

Episode Two delivered a true heavyweight clash as England internationals David Jacobs (Agitator) and reigning Lure Battle champion Thom Hunt (Westin UK) went head-to-head. Jacobs fished from his kayak in South Wales, bringing world-level experience and relentless determination, while Hunt launched on the Norfolk Broads with the confidence and composure of one of Europe’s most decorated predator anglers.

The match unfolded as a tale of contrasting struggles. Hunt started strongly, building a solid perch card and later adding two crucial pike through methodical spot rotation and disciplined decision-making. Jacobs, however, faced tougher conditions after a sudden temperature drop scattered the perch. Despite early pike success, missed chances and stubborn fish kept him under pressure for much of the session.

As the clock ran down, everything hinged on the final spell. Hunt continued to upgrade and secure bonuses, but Jacobs produced a dramatic late surge, finally cracking the perch pattern and completing his card with minutes to spare. When the scores were tallied, the result was decided by a mere 61 centimetres – an outcome that perfectly summed up an episode defined by tension, resilience and last-cast drama.

Final Scores
David Jacobs – 410cm (card completed) 
Thom Hunt – 349cm (card completed)

Episode 3 – Romualdas Kokstis vs Lee Spillard

Episode Three showcased a stark contrast in styles as Lee Spillard (Grundens) and Romualdas “Rambo” Kokstis (Gunki) went head-to-head. Spillard fished from a fully equipped boat in Scotland, leaning on live sonar and a big-fish mindset despite this being his first ever Lure Battle competition. Rambo, a seasoned UK circuit regular, took a more traditional approach from the bank in Cambridgeshire, bringing experience and proven results across multiple formats.

Difficult conditions made progress hard for both anglers. Early follows and refusals forced Lee to adapt, and his switch to targeting perch proved decisive. Working Ned-style rigs tight to rocky structure, he built momentum before landing two outstanding perch of 46cm and 45cm – the biggest seen in the competition so far. Rambo struggled to unlock the perch but stayed competitive by steadily filling his pike card, securing key bonus points and keeping pressure on.

Ultimately, the difference was quality. Lee completed a dominant perch card and added late upgrades and adding pike to pull clear and fill his card, while Rambo’s final gambles failed to produce the fish he needed. When the scores were confirmed, Spillard advanced on the strength of exceptional perch fishing, underlining once again how a single standout fish can define a Lure Battle match.

Final Scores
Lee Spillard – 424cm (card completed)
Romualdas Kokstis – 132cm

Episode 4 – Daniel Brackley vs Charlie Coppolo

Episode Four saw Dan Brackley (Rapala) begin close to home, targeting early topwater opportunities in search of bonus points before settling into a steady, low-risk approach. Conditions were tough, low water, high pressure, and hesitant fish – but his plan was to build a solid card without mistakes. Charlie Coppolo (St. Croix) took the opposite gamble, fishing completely unfamiliar water from a boat with no practice, relying on instinct and adaptability.

As the morning wore on, the contrast became clear. Dan methodically rotated venues and ground out bites, while Charlie found fish but struggled to convert. Perch followed without committing, pike refused at close range and key chances slipped away, slowly building pressure as the clock ticked down.

Dan’s persistence eventually paid off. Fine-tuning lure size and presentation unlocked the perch, leading to steady upgrades and a completed card, topped off with a crucial pike. Charlie kept pushing to the end, but near-misses counted for nothing. When time ran out, Dan’s consistency delivered a decisive 401cm winning total, underlining just how unforgiving the Lure Battle format can be.

Final Scores
Daniel Brackley – 401cm (card completed)
Charlie Coppolo – Did not score

Episode 5 – Jude Evans vs Kev Cox

Episode Five delivered one of the closest contests yet, pitching Kev Cox (Fox Rage) against rising star Jude Evans (Sunvisor). Kev, a seasoned Team England international with a trophy cabinet overflowing from UK and European victories, brought decades of competition experience and a ruthless, methodical approach. Facing him was Jude Evans, the youngest angler in the competition, yet already boasting international medals, multiple podium finishes and selection for Team England while still at school.

Fishing vastly different waters, the match quickly became a test of composure. Jude, fishing a Scottish loch from his kayak with live sonar, built an early advantage by piecing together a strong perch card. Kev, meanwhile, grinding it out from the bank, found bites hard-earned and opportunities fleeting. Missed fish, lost pike and constant tactical adjustments defined a brutal middle spell where every decision mattered.

Momentum swung back and forth throughout the day. Kev clawed his way back into contention with steady perch upgrades and eventually completed his card under mounting pressure. Jude stayed ahead for much of the session, but without a full card, the margin remained razor-thin. As the clock ticked down, Kev produced a last-gasp 17cm perch – small but crucial tipping the balance.

When the scores were finally tallied, the difference between victory and defeat came down to just 48cm. Kev Cox advances to the next round with that late perch proving decisive.

Final Scores
Jude Evans – 253cm
Kev Cox – 301cm (card completed)

Episode 6 – Brian Holland (Wildcard) vs Stuart Sutherland

Episode 6 saw Scottish predator expert Stuart Sutherland (Hart) take on wild card winner Brian Holland.

Brian started steadily, landing several small perch to build his card, but struggled to find pike throughout the day. Despite his determination and constant lure changes, he was unable to secure the larger fish needed to challenge his opponent.

Meanwhile, Stuart quickly found success. He completed a strong perch card – highlighted by an impressive 41cm specimen and added multiple pike, including a solid 91cm fish. By capitalising on bonus points for topwater catches and achieving a full card, Stuart built an almost unassailable lead.

Although Brian enjoyed a productive and rewarding day on the water, Stuart’s experience and tactical approach proved decisive. Finishing with a huge scorecard, he comfortably advanced to the next round, setting the benchmark for the rest of the competition.

Final Scores
Brian Holland – 106cm
Stuart Sutherland – 464cm (card completed)

What Next for LureBattle 1v1?

With round one behind us, the stage is set for round two. The top anglers now face off, each vying for a coveted spot in the Lure Battle 1v1 final. Round one produced jaw-dropping scores and unforgettable moments, but can the leaders keep their streak alive? One will advance, one will fall. Tension is high, stakes are higher, and anything can happen… who will rise, and who will be sent home?