After weeks of intense voting, modern specimen angling great Simon Daley has been crowned the champion of last season’s Drennan Cup.
His five weekly awards put him clear of the rest of the pack, Nathan Buckingham finishing in second place, having caught a pair of 20lb barbel – one of which was a new British Record of 23lb.
In third place was Daniel Bouskila who picked up three awards – two for big grayling, one for dace. Julian Barnes was edged into fourth spot, earning weekly prizes for two huge barbel and a tench.
In winning for a third time, Hampshire-based roofer Simon became just the second-ever angler to do so, his achievement bettered only by the late, great Terry Lampard, who won it a staggering seven times.
When we caught up with Simon after his win, he was on his way home from a trip in search of large stillwater roach, and was humble as ever about his achievement.
So, Simon, how does it feel to win for a third time?
“It’s a surreal feeling, and it always takes a while to sink in. In all honesty, I don’t feel worthy of being up there with these angling legends. I have a bit of an ‘imposter syndrome’ about the whole thing. But to win again is brilliant – I really didn’t expect it.”
How did your campaign unfold?
“I had a dabble for tench in spring, hopeful of catching a good fish, and managed a 12lb 1oz specimen and another weighing 10lb 10oz. Then I turned my focus to barbel, and for much of the river season, there was little else you could fish for.
“I hoped to catch 17lb fish from three rivers, and didn’t quite achieve that, but I still managed four nice ones. I always look forward to trotting over winter, but that was very hit-and-miss this season. The roach fishing was poor, and chub were difficult. I did a bit of grayling fishing and managed some good ones to 2lb 11oz, but even the chalk streams were flooded, which made things tricky.”
You first won five seasons ago, has much changed since?
“The fish are getting bigger, particularly barbel. There are a handful of 20-pounders that I know of in the country, and a good proportion of them are on the River Lea."
“I know of a big fish from the Thames that wasn’t reported, but that’s fished really hard this season. Some people think it’s the seals, but I think the water quality has a lot to do with it.
“Barbel I’ve caught on the Hampshire Avon were down in weight this year over last, and invertebrate life also seems to be declining. We used to get strong mayfly and grannom hatches on the southern rivers, and if you caught a bit of weed, it would be alive with shrimp and caddis larvae. Now, there’s a noticeable difference.
“It’s great to see more youngsters getting into fishing, too, and while the youngest people going specimen fishing seem to be in their early thirties, hopefully some of the new generation will discover the big-fish scene as they develop as anglers."
Has your approach developed since then?
“I wouldn’t say it’s changed massively – I still keep things simple and fish with robust tackle. The last thing I want to do is lose a good fish.
“My barbel approach has developed a bit over the years. On the Hampshire Avon, I use backleads and short hooklinks, but having lost what felt like a big barbel while doing so on the Thames – a mid-river snag costing me the fish – I now use longer hooklinks on there and ditch the backleads.
“Generally, I don’t do anything sophisticated – I go to places that hold big fish and spend lots of time on the bank. If I get a buzz for something, I’ll stick at it.”
Are there any anglers on the scene you rate?
“Absolutely – my mates Roman Vann and Simon Baker are very good, as are the guys that have been in the running for the Cup over recent years, the likes of Julian Barnes, Neale Woodward and Dan Woolcott. They’re focused, and know what they’re doing.
“Dai Gribble and Lee McManus also catch some huge fish. What Lee does with those big bream each year is really impressive. He sets his sights on them and is determined to catch, and doesn’t mind sitting through quiet spells that are inevitable when targeting such fish.
“Steve Ricketts also, who caught the record eel last season, is phenomenal. I think that fish is the best to be caught in many years.”
Are there any species you would like to target more?
"A big perch is my target this season, and I’d like to go for a specimen from a river. I’ve been to places where these fish are present before, but I have always been after other species. I’ll have a go for big rudd as well, because I’ve not really spent much time in search of them before.
“I’m keen to do things differently this season, and last year I got a lure set-up for bass, which I really enjoyed using. I’ll be doing plenty more of that this year, and I have a mate who catches some big fish on lures at night, so I plan to go out with him at some point.
“Last winter, I also had a go on Chew Valley Lake for the pike with Martin Bowler. I had 11 fish, with one perhaps scraping double figures. But every time the indicator drops off, you never know what could be on the end.”
Finally, do you have any aims as an angler?
“I didn’t set out to win the Drennan Cup this year – I just want to keep enjoying my fishing, as I am right now with the bass.
“That’s what it’s all about for me – getting a buzz for something and diving into it.”
How the voting panned out
1st Simon Daley 31%
2nd Nathan Buckingham 15%
3rd Daniel Bouskila 13%
4th Julian Barnes 10%
5th Adam Riches 9%
6th Simon Baker 5%
7th Nigel Kennard 4%
8th Lee Tebble 3%
Others 10%