The 28th Friendship Cup, a traditional float fishing competition, was held on the Novčica river in Gospić, bringing together anglers from four Croatian counties. The event proceeded in a sporting and friendly atmosphere and was organised by SRU Lika Gospić (Lika Gospić Fishing Club) in co-organisation with the Fishing Association of Lika-Senj County.
Anglers from Lika-Senj, Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Zadar counties took part, with a three-hour fishing period. The Novčica proved rather ungenerous this time, requiring anglers to put in extra effort to secure a catch. The regularity of the competition was monitored by chief judge Milan Devčić and sector judge Ivica Sokolić.
Željko Abramović of SRU Pastrva Gračac enjoyed the most success, securing first place. Second place went to Zdenko Lešković of SRU Pijor Lovinac, while Marijan Panić of SRD Istra Buje took third. Fourth-placed Nikola Barković of SRU Gacka Otočac earned a symbolic wooden medal.
The best anglers took home local delicacies – dry ham, plum brandy, cheese and honey. Prizes were presented by Dane Kruljac, president of SRU Lika Gospić, while Anti Barić of the local SRU Lika Gospić received a sack of Lika potatoes.
Željko Mataija, president of the Fishing Association of Lika-Senj County, thanked the assembled anglers and explained the absence of last year’s winner, Vladimir Habeković from Zagreb. The transitional trophy was presented on Habeković’s behalf.
The competition was originally scheduled to be held as part of the traditional “Autumn in Lika” event, but had to be postponed due to a prolonged drought and exceptionally low water levels on the Novčica.
