The Fenland Predator Cup 2023

Last weekend saw the launch of the very first Fenland Predator Cup hosted by Willow Grange Tackle and Baits in Ely, Cambridgeshire and sponsored by Rapala.

It’s worth noting that we’re witnessing a surge in grassroots competitions being organised across the country, which is a testament to the growing popularity of lure fishing in the United Kingdom. Let’s dive into the details of the event, but first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the positive trend that’s taking shape.

About The Competition

On a chilly Sunday morning of 26th November, anglers from all over the fens and even further afield gathered at Willow Grange Tackle and Baits in Ely, eagerly awaiting the start of the competition. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what was about to unfold. 

The stakes were high with an incredible prize of a 13 Omen Black Rod along with a £250 gift voucher to spend in-store awaiting the first-place winner. Second and third-place winners were also set to receive fantastic prizes for their efforts. This event marked a great opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete against one another.

Participants in the competition had the freedom to choose any direction and distance to reach their preferred water within the Cambridgeshire fens. They could opt to drop directly onto the River Great Ouse at Ely or choose to drive the distance, risking eating into their fishing time. The fishing activity would take place from 9 am to 4 pm, and the angler with the highest combined length of pike, perch, and zander would win. There was no minimum or maximum fish length requirement.

Every angler was assigned a unique ID on the day of the fishing activity, which had to be photographed along with every fish caught and submitted to a group Whatsapp channel. This measure ensured that submissions were only made for captures from the same day and helped prevent any cheating attempts.

On The Day

As the temperature dropped in the United Kingdom, anglers eagerly headed out to explore the picturesque Cambridgeshire fens in search of huge predators. The conditions proved to be a challenge for some, while others found it relatively easy and racked up the centimetres. 

The serene ambience of the fens provided the perfect backdrop for a day of fishing and adventure, as anglers from all over the country relished the opportunity to test their skills against one another.

The Winning Results

After a gruelling competition, it was time to announce the winners. The first, second, and third places were awarded to the top three anglers who demonstrated exceptional skill and technique and held the biggest combined lengths of fish caught, they were…

Final Thoughts

It’s truly inspiring to witness the emergence of lure fishing competitions organised by tackle shops, clubs, and groups of friends all over the UK. These events not only provide anglers with the opportunity to compete for prizes but also to connect with fellow anglers and potentially form new friendships. We eagerly anticipate the second Fenland Cup hosted by Willow Grange Tackle and Baits in 2024 and look forward to seeing more of these events in the future.