GOLDEN REEL

Who will win weekend’s big final?

THIS Saturday sees the last of this summer’s big finals as 24 anglers do battle in the Colmic Golden Reel Final at Worcestershire’s Larford Lakes.

Fishing for a more-than-handy £50,000 top prize, finalists include some of the sport’s biggest names plus plenty that you may not be that familiar with. Unsurprisingly, most of the money taken by on-site bookie Gary Wiltshire will be on Andy Power and Jamie Hughes.

Equally dangerous, though, will be former UK Champion Pemb Wrighting, England star Matt Godfrey and commercial carp aces Dale Shepherd, Andy Bennett and former Fish O’ champ Mick Bull.

It all adds up to an interesting five hours on the Match Lake at the Stourport complex.

“The Match Lake is fishing its head off right now and I wouldn’t like to say where it would be won from,” said Larford boss and event creator Phil Briscoe.

“We’ve had the match record for the lake go twice in recent weeks and there are so many fish to catch that I don’t think you’ll be out of it wherever you draw. Margin fish will be important but there are lots of newly-stocked F1s to catch too and it’s possible to put together 80lb of these if the carp aren’t having it.

“With water levels low, anglers on the grass bank will need to get out and sit in the water so the margins will be key here, but the 6m line with pellet is also producing a lot of fish, and Method feeder or bomb will also play a big part,” Phil continued.

“Who do I fancy to win? Obviously there are big names likes Andy Power and Jamie Hughes, but Ian Wood and Danny Bache are local to Larford and know the place so well.”

Alongside the £50,000 top prize, second will get £5,000, and third £3,000. Each six-peg section winner picks up £1,000. Doors opening to the public at 10am with fishing from noon until 5pm. Entry and parking are completely free of charge.

“Aside from the match we’ve got demonstrations on the Specimen Lake from top match anglers, the chance to have a go at fishing yourself on the Arena Lake plus a licensed bar, hog roast stand, burgers, hot dogs and even wine-tasting from Astley Vineyards,” Phil added. “There’s also live commentary on the bank and the twists and turns of the match will be available to watch on Facebook live throughout the day.”