2012 sees the event return once again to the banks of the river Ebro at Chiprana and Caspe, not surprising really given the success of inaugural event, This part of the river is stunning, it is wild and beautiful and the catfish plentiful and huge, indeed a monster catfish of over 200ib was caught by the French during last year’s competition and a worthy winner of the Top Cat prize.
This year’s event will be bigger and better than last year, more bank space opened up to competitors and some changes made to the rules to create a truly great event. The format of the competition itself will remain the same, for those who aren’t aware, each team draws a peg at the opening ceremony and this determines the swims they fish each day during the three days. Each team therefore get to fish a different section of the Ebro each day, last year saw the overall winners from Holland not catch a fish until the last day and then storm up the leader board overtaking the USA who had lead since day 1 and won by a few hundred grams. It really was exciting and means everyone taking part has a very good chance to win as one or more of the three swims fished could provide a winning total if fished correctly and well.
The catfish in this part of the river love their Halibut pellets, the restriction on amounts that can be used will remain the same however squid will be allowed for this year which can give teams an alternative bait to tempt these huge monsters. Another change to the rules is that there will be no runners this year, given the sudden bursts of action that can happen with multiple takes a possibility, teams can now be made up of two or three competitors who can all take baits out, play catfish etc. Fish welfare is always at the top of our priority and this will help make sure all catfish are dealt with quickly and safely.
One of the great things about having a daily event with no night fishing is that participants can come and take part in the evening celebrations that take part of the end of each days fishing. Not only catch up with the latest results, chat with other participants about tactics but also try out the fabulous local cuisine like paella washed down with a cold beer after a hot day out in the Spanish sun. Its party time all the way and not least on the last evening when everyone gathers and the champions crowned, it’s a tough competition to win and no doubt will go down the the wire yet again in 2012.
So, if you fancy proudly waving your country’s flag through the street of Chiprana behind Spanish drummers, doing battle with huge catfish, fishing amongst stunning, beautiful scenery, meet other like-minded catfish anglers from around the globe and have the chance to be 2012 World Catfish Classic champions and walk away with the magnificent trophy and big cash prize then check out the website at www.worldcatfishclassic.com.
