Cofton Cup XIII: A Week of Thrills and Big Catches!

The Cofton Cup returned this October for another exciting competition on our match lake. After six intense days of competition with some unforgettable moments, Les Thompson was crowned the champion for the second time.

Anglers from across the country gathered, determined to get their name etched on to the trophy and claim the cash prize amidst some unpredictable and often challenging weather. 45 competitors pushed on through three days of qualifying heats all looking to book a place in the grand final and stake their claim to become the Cofton Cup champion, making this event one for the Cofton history books.

Qualifiers

Qualifier Day One was a bleak grey start but saw Mr. Graham Nicklin shine through, securing his place in the grand final with a weight of 128lb 1oz from peg 12. Meanwhile Mr. Ade Holland set the bar high for the Silvers Trophy, holding the top spot all week with a weight of 19lb 6oz.

Day Two brought fairer weather for the second qualifier and an incredible battle for the top spot. Competition between Mr. Les Thompson and Mr. Nathan Grumbt was neck-and-neck for most of the day with only 5lb separating them, which saw them both advance to the final.

The weather turned again on Day Three and saw our anglers bravely battle through worsening conditions. Despite this there were still some impressive weights recorded with Mr. Steven Bond netting a very respectable 93lb 6oz to take top spot for the day.

Finals Action

As we moved to the pointy end of the competition, The Spoon Final kicked off Day Four. In a match that was too close to call, Mr. Wayne Skett claimed victory with a weight of 91lb 13oz, followed closely by Mr. Ian Walvin and Mr. John Simpson with weights of 88lb 8oz and 83lb 13oz respectively.

Day Five saw more challenging conditions but by no means did this damper the competition. The day belonged to Mr. Paul Bland, who dominated the Plate Final and set a weekly match record in the process with an incredible 171lb 12oz. Last year’s champion Mr Clive Hancock followed in second place with 125lb and 10oz and Mr Gary Hennessy took third place with 82lb and 8oz.

The Grand Finale

On the final day, the top 5 anglers from each qualifying heat faced off for the coveted Cofton Cup. In a close run contest, the trophy was there for anyone’s taking for most of the day until the last couple of hours of competition.

Netting fish after fish from peg 13, Mr. Les Thompson stole the show as the clock ran down, catching his way to the top with a total of 164lb and earning him the title of Cofton Cup Champion and top prize of £500.

Mr. Graham Nicklin and Mr. Andy Bishop rounded out the top three with weights of 131lb 1oz and 124lb 9oz in what was one of our most enthralling finals.

Congratulations to all the participants and thank you for another unforgettable week of fishing. We look forward to the next Cofton Cup on April 27, 2025!

Tight lines until then!