The biggest prize pot in barbel fishing history will be on offer later this year, in what could be the dawn of a new ‘mega money’ event.
For the last three years, the UK Barbel Masters has proved a hit with the nation’s river anglers, but it’s now being run by new organisers, who are taking the event to the next level.
It will, as usual, be held on the River Trent, with the stretch at A1 Pits hosting this year’s contest.
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A hundred anglers will take part, making it the biggest barbel-only match in UK history.
Prize money for the champion has been increased from £1,000 to £2,500, and there’s cash on offer for section winners, too, not to mention other awards from the event’s sponsors.
“Barbel fishing has grown massively since lockdown, especially on the Trent,” said organiser Liam Willis.
“There’s certainly demand for a match like this. Within days of our breaking news of the event, we had over 120 people apply for tickets! The total prize pot comes to £6,750, with awards for the biggest fish and the top three in each section.”
Entry will cost £100, and tickets will be allocated in a raffle on Sunday, March 3.
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“We’ve given a few tickets to A1 Pits and to the sponsors, some of who will raffle them off themselves,” Liam explained.
“That leaves 74 places in the final, which anyone could win.”
The match will run from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, during which all fish caught will be weighed and released immediately by a team of marshals on the bank 24/7.
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“There will be a big charity element too, as we’ve partnered with Tackling Minds, for whom we’ll be doing an auction,” Liam added.
“We already have plans for expansion next year, potentially with 10 qualifying rounds on rivers across the nation before a grand final with even bigger prizes.”
To stand a chance of winning a ticket, register your interest by messaging the UK Barbel Masters Facebook page.
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