Huge predator event launched
£18,000 in prizes up for grabs in UK’s first WPC qualifier
ANGLING Times readers are being given the chance to win some of the biggest cash prizes in predator fishing with the launch of a new lure fishing event.
Prizes worth £18,000 will be up for grabs when the first-ever UK qualifier for the hugely popular World Predator Classic (WPC) kicks off on Sunday, August 21 at Grafham Water Park in Cambridgeshire.
Hordes of anglers from across Europe have already signed up to the England World Predator Classic Boat & Kayak Qualifier, which will see the winners walk away with an all-expenses-paid entry into next year’s £70,000 World Predator Classic (WPC) held in Holland.
The ‘open to all’ qualifier, which has been organised by former England Lure International Gary Palmer, will become one of the richest non-match fishing competitions on the UK angling calendar, but Gary believes this is just the start of something huge.
“The popularity of species such as pike, perch and zander has hit an all-time high and the call for more high-profile lure events like this has become greater each year,” he said.
“The WPC has grown immensely since it started three years ago, and qualifiers have already taken place elsewhere in Europe – next year we will have one in Wales and Scotland.
“Although anyone can enter the WPC, anglers are required to use their own boat.
“That can prove expensive and difficult, so the qualifier will give more average anglers the chance to attend.”
Gary tasted success for himself in this year’s WPC just a few
weeks ago, winning the largest fish award with the capture of a monster 35lb 6oz pike (pictured).
Fishing on the famous Hellevoetsluis Lake ,Tokarbacked Gary tempted the giant predator on a 4ins Spro Bomy Shaker lure.
The WPC Qualifier isn’t the only lure fishing event to be held next month. The weekend of August 6/7 will see dozens of kayak anglers take to the water in Northamptonshire for the Pitsford Kayak Grand Slam.
The competition, which is another ‘open to all’ event, has been arranged by kayak angler Dane Wood, who warmed up for the event by netting a giant personal-best 5lb perch from an unknown water in the Cotswolds while fishing with the Ocean Kayak UK Fishing Team.