The World Predator Cup 2024 may be a smaller competition, but it’s known for its strong organisation and unique atmosphere.

For this edition, one thing was central: solo fishing under pressure.

No team to fall back on. Just decisions, timing and trust in your own approach.

Solo fishing in the World Predator Cup

This edition was different from most tournaments:

• fishing without a partner
• but with a marshal and cameraman
• carrying full responsibility yourself

Goal: 2 perch, 2 zander, 2 pike — fishing a full card.

But as is often the case: plans ≠ reality.

Day 1 – a tough start and the wrong signals

The first day started early:

• a very early departure
• focus on perch (the toughest species)

First action: no fish… but a bream.

Not exactly the start you want.

After that:

• small zander
• no perch
• no pike

An immediate deficit in the tournament.

Zander as the only constant

What did work: zander.

• multiple catches
• but small sizes
• little upgrade potential

Highlight: a 68 cm zander on a chatterbait.

But: no balance in the card.

And that’s crucial in this type of competition.

Switching techniques under pressure

During day 1 we constantly adjusted:

• Carolina rig
• twitchbait
• pelagic fishing
• searching known spots

None of it brought the breakthrough.

That’s typical of tough tournaments: you keep switching, but miss the right pattern.

Day 2 – a new approach, the same problem

Day two started with a clear adjustment:

• more variation
• finesse + power fishing

Techniques:

• crankbaits
• jigspinners
• chatterbaits
• finesse rigs

Result: zander again, small fish again.

A complete zander card… but no win

On day two, one important step was made: a complete zander card.

But:

• no big specimens
• still no strong perch
• pike remained tough

And so, no competitive overall result.

Fishing shallow for pike

Last attempt: fishing shallow with a chatterbait.

Result:

• a small pike
• missed chances
• no breakthrough

Frustrating, but familiar.

The reality of tournament fishing

What this World Predator Cup 2024 shows perfectly:

• fish aren’t always active
• preparation guarantees nothing
• conditions change everything
• sometimes nothing simply works

And that’s part of it.

Final result and reflection

Final result: 12th place.

Not top of the field, but:

• not a complete failure either
• and above all, a lot learned

Key insight: a full card > big fish.

Watch the full World Predator Cup 2024 video

Want to follow this solo tournament in full?

What we take away from this tournament

1. Solo fishing is mentally tougher

No consultation, deciding everything yourself.

2. Adapting is essential

But switching too much can also work against you.

3. Zander remains reliable

Even on tough days.

4. Perch remains the wildcard

Often the deciding species.

Why tournaments like this are so valuable

Even when it doesn’t go perfectly: you learn more on bad days than on good ones.

• better spot selection
• better timing
• better technique choices

And that makes the difference in the long run.

On to the next challenge

After this tournament, the next step is clear:

• focus on improvement
• refine technique
• and above all… keep fishing

Next challenge: a new personal record perch.