58lb net wins top spot in the prestigious Cofton Cup Fishing Competition
South Devon’s highly regarded coarse fishing destination, Cofton Holidays, has crowned Bob Rand from Ivybridge as winner of its spring Cofton Cup Fishing Competition.
The multi award-winning holiday park, which was announced as Holiday Park of the Year at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2018/19, hosted the competition on its Mamhead Match Lake over five days of intensive fishing. The field was narrowed down from 28 in the opening rounds, to 14 in the final, with the remainder battling it out for the Plate competition.
Competing against 14 experienced competition anglers, Bob Rand scooped the Cofton Cup and £500 in the final with a total of 58lb from Peg 12.
Runner-up Graham Nicklin achieved a total haul of 45lb from Peg 19, earning him £250. Lee Bates at Peg 13 earned £150 in third place with a net of 34lb.
In the Plate competition, Ken Carter came out on top with a catch of 71lb from Peg 17, earning him Plate Champion and £100. John Simpson came in 2nd with his 23lb net from Peg 5 earning him £50, and Peter Hall came 3rd and won a £50 meal voucher with his 22lb net from Peg 19.
The competition was fierce but with the sun beaming down and a steady breeze keeping the temperature cool, it was almost perfect angling conditions. The event saw two qualifiers take place over Tuesday and Wednesday, culminating in Thursday’s grand final:
Qualifier 1 results
1st – Richard Rumney, Peg 1, 77lb 10oz
2nd – Paul Bland, Peg 25, 69lb
3rd – Graham Nicklin, Peg 15, 63lb
Qualifier 2 results
1st – Micheal Nunn, Peg 25, 57lb 12oz
2nd – Bob Rand, Peg 12, 52lb 11oz
3rd – Andy Everill, Peg 10, 48lb 10oz
Luke Broderick, Cofton Holidays Fisheries Manager, was thrilled with the competition, one of two Cofton Cup events to take place this year: “I’d like to thank all of the competitors and their families for a cracking Cofton Cup. They all contributed towards an enjoyable weekend! Well done to the winners, and notably Bob Rand, who worked exceptionally hard and was rewarded with top prize. We’re pleased to announce that the Cofton Cup will return in September, when we expect an even larger field of competitors.”
Cofton Holidays boasts five fishing lakes making it an ideal destination for any angling fan. Like all of Cofton’s lakes, Mamhead has been restocked thanks to the huge investment Cofton Holidays has made to the fishing lakes over the past 12 months.
Following its success, the Cofton Cup Fishing Competition will return in the autumn. Cofton Cup IV – The Fishing Festival, will take place from 16th to 20th September and is open to keen anglers staying at Cofton Holidays.
Located close to the Exe Estuary and the seaside town of Teignmouth, Cofton’s five lakes are in the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing fishing holiday. Suitable for all angling abilities, the lakes are filled with carp varying in size including mirror carp, common carp and koi-cross commons. With 71 pegs to choose from, including pegs with disabled facilities, anglers are sure to find a favourite spot.
To book your place on the Cofton Cup lV – Fishing Festival, visit coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111.
