Most anglers never believed a single fish would win the Drennan Cup again, but after catching the biggest eel ever reported on British shores, Steve Ricketts has done just that and claimed the title.
His 11lb 3oz giant, which pipped by an ounce Steve Terry’s long-standing record which had remained
unchallenged since 1978, was banked in summer last year. Some have described the remarkable fish as the best specimen caught this century, and when you look at the anglers Steve edged ahead of in the voting, it’s clear to see how revered his capture is in the specimen angling world.
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Second place in the competition has gone to Stephen Gibbons. He can feel a shade unlucky at not getting the overall nod after amassing nine weekly awards – the most ever awarded to an angler in a
single season. He was followed in third spot by Neale Woodward, who finished with seven awards.
In most other seasons, he too might well have walked to the title! Former Drennan champ Dai
Gribble finished in fourth place, with a British Record- equalling roach among his three weekly awards.
So strong was the field this year that James Crosby, who landed a new record barbel of 22lb, backed up by an 11lb 8oz tench, came in joint fifth with Daniel Bouskila, who managed five weekly awards!
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When we called him to break the news of his triumph in the Drennan Cup, he was on the bank, eel fishing with his wife Jean, who has been joining him on trips of late.
“I’m chuffed and honoured that so many great anglers chose my catch, recognising the accomplishment of something that I’ve spent my life trying hard to achieve."
“It’s a rare privilege to be a Drennan Cup holder and so I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me,” he told us.
Steve landed his record- breaking fish on a pellet hookbait, essentially fished on a crude carp rig, and he says that new baits and tactics coming to the fore are changing eel fishing.
“There’s a big thing about traditional eel angling, with some anglers using only worms and deadbaits, or
fishing adjacent to snags and trying to draw fish out,” he said.
“But if people adapt, try new things and share their results, the way we fish for eels can evolve.”
But, when it comes to catching really big eels, Steve knows that a slice of fortune is more often than not crucial to success. “I’ve always said that I’d rather be lucky than good, and with big eels, that certainly rings true!
“If you have a bait in the water, there’s always a small chance that something special could pick it up,” he said.
“But don’t sit blanking for days – tweak and change things and see what happens.”
How the voting panned out
Steve Ricketts: 25%
Stephen Gibbons: 24%
Neale Woodward: 20%
Dai Gribble: 7%
James Crosby: 4%
Daniel Bouskila: 4%
Alfie Lane: 3%
Matt Adams: 2%
Daniel Woolcott: 2%
Dave Robinson: 2%
Others: 7%