63lb net wins top spot in the prestigious Cofton Cup Fishing Competition
South Devon’s highly regarded coarse fishing destination, Cofton Holidays, has crowned Andy Everill as winner of its spring Cofton Cup Fishing competition.
A keen fisherman, this is Andy’s third title at Cofton having previously won Cofton Cup II and Cofton Cup V. The multi award-winning holiday park, hosted the sixth competition on its Mamhead Match Lake over five days of intensive fishing. The field was narrowed down from 36 anglers in the opening rounds to 14 in the final, with the remainder battling it out for the Plate competition.
Competing against 14 experienced anglers, Andy Everill scooped the Cofton Cup and £500 in the final with a total of 63.02lb from Peg 25. Andy also walked away with the prize for the heaviest fish of the week; during his qualifying heat on day three, Andy landed a carp weighing in at a whopping 11.03lb, earning him another £50.
Runner-up, Steve Bond, achieved a total haul of 49.04lb from Peg 22, earning him £250. Previous Cofton Cup winner Bob Rand at Peg 10 earned £150 in third place with a net of 43.10lb.
In the Plate competition, Nigel Stanley came out on top with a catch of 39.06lb from Peg 14, earning him Plate Champion and £100. Dave Walton came in 2nd with his 35lb net from Peg 26 earning him £50, and Craig Smith came 3rd and won a £50 meal voucher with his 32.03lb net from Peg 25.
The competition was fierce and was made even more challenging by the wet and windy weather conditions. The event saw three qualifiers take place over the course of the week, culminating in Friday’s grand final:
Qualifier 1 results
1st – Geoff Boardman, Peg 15, 39.06lb
2nd – Michael Nunn, Peg 13, 63.13lb
3rd – Steve Bond, Peg 21, 54.08lb
4th – Stephen Bridel, Peg 3, 45.12lb
Best Runner Up – Phil Stickland, Peg 8, 42.09lb
Best Runner Up – Benny Johnson, Peg 5, 36.15lb
Qualifier 2 results
1st – Graham Nicklin, Peg 10, 51.09lb
2nd – Gary Hennessy, Peg 22, 43.02lb
3rd – Bob Rand, Peg 3, 39.06lb
4th – John Simpson, Peg 15, 35.05lb
Qualifier 3 results
1st – Andy Everill, Peg 3, 51.09lb
2nd – Lee Prophet, Peg 22, 65.07lb
3rd – Paul Bland, Peg 17, 49.02lb
4th – Steven Prophet, Peg 10, 36.06lb
Luke Broderick, Cofton Holidays Fisheries Manager, was thrilled with the competition: “As ever, the week has been tremendous fun and we’ve seen some outstanding fishing in what has been very testing conditions. In light of recent circumstances and events, it has been amazing to meet up in a Covid safe environment and see some familiar, friendly faces that we haven’t seen for a while. A big well done to everyone who took part in the competition and a massive congratulations to Andy Everill on his back-to-back wins. Is there anyone out there that can beat him?”
Cofton Holidays boasts five fishing lakes making it an ideal destination for any angling fan. To meet the demand for fishing holidays, Cofton will be revealing its new luxury fishing lodges later this year, just a minute’s walk from the lakes, featuring special storage areas for angling equipment.
Following its success, the Cofton Cup Fishing Competition will return in September. Places have already been snapped up, so bookings for the 2022 competitions have been opened to keen anglers who must stay at Cofton Holidays in order to compete. Cofton Cup VIII will run from 25th April 2022 and Cofton Cup IX will run from 10th October 2022.
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 holiday and your place for either of these competitions, visit www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111.
