After a highly successful inaugural Fishing Festival in March 2018, fishing fever returned to Cofton again this September for the second instalment of the highly sought after Cofton Cup! 

The award-winning South Devon holiday park hosted its second competitive match on its Mamhead Match Lake, from 18th – 20th September. Battling it out against a number of experienced anglers, Andy Everill from Newcastle-under-Lyme, came out on top in Thursday’s grand final with a winning total of 62.06 lbs from peg 25, scooping the Cofton Cup and £500.

Andy nudged ahead of runner-up Phil Denslow, from Taunton, whose total haul of 54.02 lbs from unlucky-for-some peg 13 earned him £250. John Davies, from Bridgewater, at Peg 15 scooped £150 in third place with a net of 46.10 lbs. Bob Rand, from Ivybridge, earned £100 in fourth place with a net of 42.04 lbs at Peg 22.

The competition was fierce with wet and blustery conditions across the three days making for a difficult angling environment. The event saw two qualification rounds take place over Tuesday and Wednesday, culminating in Thursday’s grand final:

Tuesday’s results

1st – Paul Bland, Peg 25, 121.03 lbs (biggest bag of the weekend)

2nd – Mike Flory, Peg 10, 35.02 lbs

3rd – Kevin Wells, Peg 8, 34.12 lbs

Wednesday’s results

1st – Bob Rand, Peg 15, 54.03 lbs

2nd – Andy Everill, Peg 7, 29.14 lbs

3rd – Phil Strickland, Peg 12, 22.14 lbs

Thursday’s Final results

1st – Andy Everill, Peg 25, 62.06 lbs

2nd – Phil Denslow, Peg 13, 54.02 lbs

3rd – John Davies, Peg 15, 46.10 lbs

Bream and carp featured significantly over the course of the competition and in the winning nets, including a record-breaking 121.03 lbs haul from Paul Bland in Tuesday’s qualifier - the first 100lb + net in competitive angling at Cofton.

Luke Broderick, Cofton Holidays Fisheries Manager, was delighted with the Cofton Cup: “I’d like to thank all of the competitors and their families for a fantastic second instalment of the Cofton Cup. They all contributed towards an enjoyable three days, despite relentless weather conditions! Well done to the winners, and notably Andy Everill, who worked exceptionally hard and was rewarded with top prize.”

Following its success, the Cofton Cup Fishing Competition will return in the spring of 2019. Cofton Cup III – Fishing Festival, will take place from 13th to 17th May and is open to keen anglers staying at Cofton Holidays. In addition to the main final, there will also be a plate final.

Cofton Holidays boasts five fishing lakes making it an ideal destination for any angling fan. Like all of Cofton’s lakes, Mamhead has been the recipient of restocking thanks to the huge investment Cofton Holidays has made to the fishing lakes over the past 12 months.

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 III – Fishing Festival, visit coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111.