Match boost
Big river events sell out
MATCH organisers on UK rivers have revealed record-breaking bookings as running-water fishing continues its incredible comeback.
With thousands of anglers beginning the new campaign this week, river-based clubs across the country have been gearing up for their busiest season in decades as hundreds of anglers book on to their festival-style events.
Countless events sold out within days of tickets going on sale, while many others are now almost at full capacity.
The sheer quality of fishing on the nation’s waterways, coupled with the lure of the ever-growing number of big-money events, has resulted in record-breaking bookings from anglers hungry for running water action on rivers including the Severn, Thames, Avon, Swale, Tees, Bure and Trent.
One of the most sought-after events is the Shrewsbury River Classic, held on the River Severn in October.
Organiser Andy Jones sold every peg available for the three-day event within just six days of tickets going on sale.
He told Angling Times: “I’ve been running this event for a number of years now but it has never been this popular.
“I’ve had to increase the peg numbers from 60 to 72 due to the high demand from anglers who are travelling up from as far away as Kent.
“The fishing on the Severn here has improved dramatically in recent times and this has helped draw in the numbers. The fact that the festival lasts a few days means they are more likely to make the
journey and treat it as a mini holiday,” he added.
While the days of 300-plus peg matches on rivers may still be a thing of the past, Andy believes that river events could soon overtake those we see on commercial fisheries.
“I’m hoping to further increase the attendances, as Shrewsbury Council and the controlling club, Shropshire Federation of Anglers, have been really great in improving access and opening up more swims to anglers,” he continued.
“I’ve got more sponsors on board now than ever before, and this is great for the future of river and match fishing.”
Andy isn’t alone in witnessing a huge rise in the number of anglers wanting to fish river events.
Another area to experience a huge rise in popularity for its matches is the Norfolk Broads.
Tony Gibbons, who runs several events for Norwich & District Anglers Association, said: “I’ve already got 80 booked on to the two-day Broads Festival in October and have nearly sold out the other two-day festival being held at the end of this month.
“We get so many anglers fishing our festivals here because people can visit for the week and treat it as a holiday.
“The fishing on the Broads is better than it’s ever been, in fact you need 50lb to win matches on a lot of stretches.”
Alan Henry has also witnessed a growing number of anglers wanting to attend his festivals on the tidal River Trent.
The Shimano and Dynamite Baits-backed matchman said: “My event is as popular now as it has ever been.
“I think river matches are more sought-after now simply because they attract a good number of anglers. That means the potential winnings are big, whereas with so many commercial venues across the country now the anglers are spread too thin. As a result the payouts on these stillwaters are not what they were.”