Record weekly awards show specimens on the rise

Record year for weekly awards proves UK is enjoying a big-fish boom

BRITAIN’S big fish anglers have never had it so good, according to figures released this week.

Organisers of the country’s premier specimen fishing competition revealed they have handed out more weekly catch awards this season than at any time over the past 35 years.

The Drennan Cup has been the pinnacle of specimen fishing in the UK since 1985, with legendary all-rounders such as Terry Lampard and Matt Hayes among those to have their names engraved on the famous trophy.

This season, more anglers have picked up awards than ever before, but perhaps more importantly, the average size of each coarse species has continued to grow.

Drennan’s Ian Brooker said: “The size and frequency of big fish caught this season is simply staggering. Fish are getting bigger and certain venues really seem to be in their prime. A good example is the River Trent, which this season has produced big barbel on a weekly basis, yet just 10 years ago we gave two awards for 15lb barbel from the Trent all season-long!”

So, why are our coarse fish getting bigger? Officials and experts alike believe there are a number of factors, including improved water quality and the use of more high-protein baits by anglers, behind the spike.

Desmond Busteed of the Environment Agency told AT: “We know that fish populations are improving on rivers and this will give the opportunity for more fish to live longer. Plus the management of some stillwater fisheries gives species, like perch, a new opportunity to grow bigger.

“What’s also changed is the range of water that a potential record may come from when compared to the recent past. Today any number of rivers regularly produce large fish and the next record could come from any of them.”

“What’s more, over the past 30 years there have been significant improvements in water quality in rivers, along with changes in river management and improved habitat. And, for some species, the distribution of signal crayfish and the use of high-quality baits may provide additional boosts to the fish’s natural food sources. Of course, changes in our climate and higher average year-round temperatures may also play a role too.”

Some anglers also believe that the rise in information about ‘big fish hotspots’ on social media, along with anglers’ changing tastes in general, have also played a significant role in forming the ‘golden age’ of specimen angling. One thing’s for sure, there’s never been a better time to bag a personal best!