NEWS EXCLUSIVE
Offering 20 randomly selected anglers their shot at a £30K final, the Ultimate Fishing Competition aims to blow the world of elite match fishing open to all. But how will this exciting new concept work?
FOR BRITAIN’S many match anglers, the glory days of the sport can often seem like an impossible dream. The chances of simply making it to a big final, let alone beating the best to the big jackpot, seem remote to the majority of us. But could a different kind of competition be about to change all that?
That’s exactly the concept behind the Ultimate Fishing Competition. Gone are the oversubscribed qualifiers against elite level anglers, along with endless travel and expense.
Instead, the new contest will follow a simple draw format, whereby thousands of anglers will go into the hat from just £1.99 a ticket. Twenty lucky entrants will then be called up to fish a dream final, with at least seven of those due a four-figure prize.
Sound promising?
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
“Our whole thought process with this competition has been to make it affordable for as many anglers as possible,” said co-organiser and Preston Innovations marketing manager, Adam Rumble.
“It can be really expensive going for qualifiers. With travel and bait it can easily run to £100 a day, and then you’re up against professionals! No disrespect to those elite guys, but the winners’ list can get a bit predictable. With this new format, we want to give more chances to those outside match fishing’s elite, and at a level anyone can afford.”
It’s certainly a bold move, and could lead to one of the most open finals in years. After all, competing for that £30k prize could be absolutely anyone who’s bought a ticket, from regular club competitors to those completely new to match fishing. A carefully selected final venue should also ensure that the main event itself gives everyone a chance.
“We picked Wyatts Lake at Cob House Fishery, not only because it’s fairly central, but because we didn’t want to go with one of the usual final venues or somewhere that F1s dominate,” said Adam.
“Some of those waters are hard to crack unless you’re doing that kind of fishing every week. We want everyone to be able to compete and have the chance to win a life-changing amount of money, as well as having that amazing experience of being in a big final.”
There are few restrictions to entry, beyond being 18 or over. Nor will it be merely a case of a final spot or nothing, as sponsor Preston Innovations is providing a whacking £30K+ of prizes, including everything from top-quality poles and rods to luggage. And with angling prize draw specialist Capital Catch Competitions tasked with randomly picking the winners, the new event has the ideal hosting platform.
