Nuneaton's Angling Triumph: A Celebration of Fishing Excellence
In a thrilling display of angling prowess, Nuneaton's Ian Wise emerged as the champion at the 2026 Classic Fishing Festival, held in the picturesque Fermanagh Lakelands. This prestigious event, now in its 49th year, attracted a diverse crowd of 224 anglers from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and even Germany, solidifying its status as a global angling spectacle.
The festival, a collaborative effort between the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, DAERA Inland Fisheries, and the local Erne Anglers community, showcased the region's natural beauty and hospitality. The event's main supporter, Tackle Guru, played a pivotal role in enhancing its profile and attracting a strong turnout.
Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, emphasized the festival's significance, stating, 'The Classic Fishing Festival is one of our longest-established events, and it has been a pleasure to welcome anglers from near and far. The event not only brings direct spend to the area but also serves as a platform to showcase Fermanagh's natural heritage and hospitality on a national and international scale.'
The competition's highlight was Ian Wise's remarkable catch of 65.170kg, which secured his top spot. The runner-up, Michael Stone from Taunton, caught 50.700kg, while Paul Boothby from Penkridge and Kevin Rowles from Wiltshire secured third and fourth places with catches of 48.480kg and 46.460kg, respectively. The international category was dominated by Rüdiger Hansen of Germany, who caught 45.600kg.
The festival also featured a Masters Team event, where the Jammy Dodgers team emerged victorious with a combined haul of 152.330kg. Additionally, a new under-18 award introduced five young competitors, with Kai Hurley from Bristol claiming the title with a catch of 38kg.
George Bradshaw, tourism development manager for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, highlighted the festival's impact, saying, 'Our district is blessed with stunning natural heritage, and the Fermanagh Lakelands are a major draw for international visitors. We were delighted to welcome returning anglers and introduce over 50 first-time competitors, including seven new German anglers.'
This year's festival not only celebrated angling excellence but also fostered a sense of community and showcased the region's natural beauty and hospitality. Nuneaton's triumph at the 2026 Classic Fishing Festival is a testament to the sport's enduring appeal and the festival's ability to bring people together in a celebration of nature and competition.
