South Devon’s highly regarded coarse fishing destination, Cofton Holidays, has crowned Andy Everill as winner of its autumn Cofton Cup Fishing competition.
A keen fisherman, this is Andy’s third consecutive Cofton Cup title and his fourth overall having previously won Cofton Cup II, V and VI. The multi award-winning holiday park, hosted the seventh competition on its Mamhead Match Lake over five days of intensive fishing. The field was narrowed down from 44 anglers in the opening rounds to 22 in the final, with the remainder battling it out for the Plate competition.
Competing against 22 experienced anglers, Andy Everill scooped the Cofton Cup and £500 in the final with a total of 70.03lb from Peg 24. Andy also walked away with the prize for the highest total weight of the week at an impressive 81.14lb during the first qualifier from peg 15. The heaviest fish of the week was caught by Kevin Gunn who netted a carp weighing 12.10lb during the final.
Runner-up, Michael Wills, achieved a total haul of 54.02lb from Peg 1, earning him £250. Third place was secured by Les Thompson at Peg 16 with a total haul of 51.01lb, earning him £150.
In the Plate competition, Geoff Boardman came out on top with a catch of 58.03lb from Peg 17, earning him Plate Champion and £100. Lee Prophet came in 2nd with his 42.13lb net from Peg 23 earning him £50, and Richard Woodsford came 3rd and won a £50 meal voucher with his 28.10lb net from Peg 24.
Despite calm, pleasant conditions, the competition was fierce after a busy summer fishing on the lakes. The event saw three qualifiers take place over the course of the week, culminating in Friday’s grand final:
Qualifier 1 results
1st – Andy Everill, Peg 15, 81.14lb
2nd – Stephen Bridle, Peg 12, 41.14lb
3rd – Brian Barker, Peg 10, 37.11lb
4th – Tony Bird, Peg 3, 37.04lb
Qualifier 2 results
1st – Darrell Edwards, Peg 22, 32.03lb
2nd – Ian Somerset, Peg 19, 28.04lb
3rd – Gary Hennessy, Peg 15, 26.08lb
4th – Kevin Gunn, Peg 5, 25.12lb
Qualifier 3 results
1st – Scott Preece, Peg 25, 55.10lb
2nd – Les Thompson, Peg 21, 55.07lb
3rd – Tony Rickard, Peg 10, 36.06lb
4th – Michael Wills, Peg 1, 28.10lb
Luke Broderick, Cofton Holidays Fisheries Manager, was thrilled with the competition: “Once again it’s been another absolutely incredible week of fishing and a big thank you goes to everyone who makes this event what it is. Having been unable to hold our presentation evening for the last two cups, due to Covid restrictions, it was amazing to be able to get together for a drink and to socialise away from the lakes.”
Cofton Holidays has five fishing lakes making it an ideal destination for any angling fan. To meet the growing demand for fishing holidays at Cofton, the holiday park recently revealed four new luxury fishing lodges, each 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 April 2022 with a slightly revised format, encompassing a spoon final for those that don’t make it through to the cup and plate finals. Places can be booked with Cofton’s reception team and are open to keen anglers who must stay at Cofton Holidays in order to compete. Cofton Cup VIII will run from 24th April to 29th April 2022 with 45 anglers able to compete over three qualifying rounds. The top five in each qualifier will go on to fish for the Cofton Cup. Cofton Cup IX will run from 9th to 15th 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.
