The Angling Trust British Pike Final saw Bill Dowding of Loughton, Essex win the Championship title and £700 prize fund on Saturday 16th November 2013 on the 20ft river at Whittlesey, Peterborough.
Bill caught two fish for 29 lb (19 lb and 10 lb) in the first hour into the match with popped up roach deadbait. Robert Peters from Aylesbury took second place with two fish for 28 lb (13 lbs and 14 lb 10 oz) on Glassmoor, and in third place was Bob Goodwin, from Milton Keynes, also on Glassmoor having two fish for 25 lb 8 oz (11 lb 6 oz and 14 lb 2 oz). Most of the anglers on the day caught into the second half of the match.
This year’s grand final fished on Whittlesey AA’s controlled waters saw 204 anglers battle it out for Pike on the fen drains. The frost that was forecast overnight managed to hold off to greet competitors on the morning of the match with overcast conditions.
Fish catches were slightly down on previous years, but more bigger sized fish being weighed in, although the number of competitors taking part made up for this on the day with a good atmosphere had by all.
Results:
1st – Bill Dowding, Loughton – 2 fish for 29lb (19lb & 10lb) on Twenty Foot
2nd – Robert Peters, Aylesbury – 2 fish for 28lb (13lb 6oz and 14lb 10oz) on Glassmoor
3rd – Bob Goodwin, Milton Keynes – 2 fish for 25lb 8oz (11lb 6oz and 14lb 2oz) on Glassmoor
4th – Paul Innes, Chelmsford – 1 fish for 24lb 2oz on Twenty Foot
5th – Steve Parker, Reading – 1 fish for 19lb 4oz on Twenty Foot
6th – Paul Wiesztort, Mansfield – 1 fish for 18lb on Twenty Foot
Junior: Lucy McCourt, East Grinstead, West Sussex – drawn prize
Lady: Rita Clarke, Peterborough – 1 fish for 2lb 8oz
The Angling Trust would like to offer their appreciation and thanks to Whittlesey AA who worked very hard to ensure all the pegs were accessible in the lead up, and on the day of the grand final, and to all the stewards in attendance. Also thank you to Ann and Ted Rowe for their help and support, and to The Boat Inn, Whittlesey and Charters Bar of Peterborough for their generous donations for the event, and Drennan International for the goody bags for the winners.
The top 10 anglers from the grand final will now be invited to take part in the second Annual Challenge Competition against the British Pike Squad in February 2014 on their waters from Bedlam Bridge to the Three Holes Bridge on the 16 ft drain.
