Moors and Clarke the merrier as catmen and matchmen mingleStars from the match and specimen worlds united in the cause of angling unity, charity and sheer good fun during the second Lakemore Catfish Challenge Cup.
Mark Ashmore, owner of Cheshire’s Lakemore Fishery, assembled a glittering array of talent including Mick Brown, Steve and Geoff Ringer, Neil Machin, Jan Porter, Mark Barrett, Jamie Masson and Kev Shore for the unique pairs event – now in its second year. Contestants and spectators received goodie bags from Dynamite Baits, the event’s main sponsors along with Catfish Pro, Catmaster Tours and Katmandu. Meanwhile, a tackle raffle raised funds for the leukaemia unit of Manchester’s University Hospital.
A 25lb 10oz catfish to Garbolino/Pickering’s matchman Jeff Moors clinched the title, trophies and victory champagne for himself and partner Simon Clarke of the Catfish Conservation Group. Jeff’s capture during the 12-hour overnight catfish contest bolstered Simon’s 13lb 4oz bag from the 2.5 hour afternoon match, in which the specimen angler from each of the 13 pairs fished with pole and feeder gear under guidance from their match expert partner. “We drew together last year and finished second, so it’s great to go one better and catch my heaviest ever fish in the process. Simon’s the man when it comes to catfish – he even stripped down to his underpants and went in to net the fish when it snagged me under a tree,” said Jeff. Simon added: “I lobbied hard for a reverse match to be introduced this year and I think all the big fish guys really enjoyed it. I’d never fished a Method feeder before and learned loads from Jeff in the process.”
Afternoon match winners with 16lb 3oz were Jan Porter and Keiron Rich, who also landed two carp to 28lb in the overnighter. However, rules stipulated that the capture of a catfish of any size during the overnighter was essential to bring the match score into overall play. That meant the duo missed out on a podium place. Venue latest: <a href=http://www.lakemorefisheries.co.uk target=blank>www.lakemorefisheries.co.uk</a> or call Mark Ashmore on 07771 848801. FULL RESULT |
Welcome!Log into your account
