Big Fish Off A Huge Success

We are delighted to announce that the 2025 'Big Fish Off' was a HUGE success, Stadium Manager Ian Darler B.E.M. undertook the challenge of catching 220lbs of fish in 12 hours and surpassed this mark by a whopping 154lb. In the process Ian raised over £13,100 for six local charities including Cambridge United Foundation. 

Ian had the following to say about the day:

"Special thanks must again go to Kevin Johnson of CB Groundworks & Construction Ltd who for the second year put the challenge forward and was supported by Cambridge United Foundation.

This years challenge was to catch 220lb of fish in a 12 hour session with all funds raised shared equally between the six charities; Cambridge United Foundation, E.A.C.H, C.P.S.L. MIND, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Arthur Rank Hospice and Little Buds.

I know every pound really does count with these charities so felt under pressure on the day to do my very best.

The event was being fished at Frasers Fishery Little Downham, Ely. I arrived at the lakeside at 6.20am and the mist was rolling off the lake. Once I was tackled, the challenge began at 7am and after two hours all I had caught was two fish. It was time for a tactical change and it quickly produced fish after fish and I became more confident that I had a chance of getting to the target weight if the fish continued to feed.

Then various media and visitors started to arrive and there was quite a bit of disturbance around the edge of the lake and the fish instantly disappeared and stopped feeding. Several photos and interviews later it was time to concentrate and rebuild the swim to get the fish feeding.

The first two weigh-ins came to just over 100lbs after six hours so I knew I had a chance of hitting 220lbs. I then upped the feed rate and yet again changed tactics to huge success as the fish came on the feed and I was catching at a good pace.

At 6.20pm I decided to call it a day and the final weigh-in took place by the lake owner. As the fish went on the scales, I realised that we had exceeded the target of 220lbs with a final weight of 373lbs 8oz (169.417 KGs) in 11 hours which was beyond my expectation.

I would like to thank every person and company that donated to this challenge as the £6,000 target was smashed and is currently at £13,100 raised.

It really has been a team effort with staff at the football club, numerous media platforms, radio stations etc. really doing their bit to support and publicise the event for six amazing charities.

Finally, I would like to thank Fraser Gilbert and family for kindly letting me use his fishery for the event.

Thanks for your support."

A massive congratulations to Ian and thank you to everyone that donated.