When it comes to match angling's behemoths, Steve Ringer is undoubtedly at the top of many anglers' lists. It’s therefore fitting—and no surprise—that he has been voted Match Angler of the Year 2024. Earlier this year, Steve claimed the highly coveted UK Champs title and went on to be crowned Individual Champion at the European Feeder Championship. These achievements prove that, regardless of the style of angling or venue, Steve is the man to beat.
"Massive thanks to all those that voted. It's always extra special to get the votes of other anglers and it's much appreciated," Steve said.
"It's definitely been a year I won't forget in a hurry. Winning the UK angling championships with a perfect four section wins was something I could have never imagined after so many near misses in years gone by."
"Then Winning the European feeder challenge individually in Belgium was the icing on the cake."
Highly Commended Michael Buchwalder
Widely described as one of the best feeder anglers on the planet, he added further weight to that lofty accolade when he scooped individual gold in the World Feeder Champs for the second time in his career.
He also won the five-day West Fest tournament at the South West’s Tamar Lakes, and the three-day festival at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes. And he secured yet another top 10 finish in the Feedermasters final.
How you voted
Steve Ringer 32.25%
Michael Buchwalder 16.26%
Brad Lucas 14.77%
It’s been a breakthrough year for the ultra-talented 19-year-old, with a perfect score to win the Maver festival at White Acres being up there with his biggest achievements in 2024. He also qualified for the prestigious Maver Match This and Golden Reel finals, and sealed victory in several other festivals at venues including Lindholme Lakes and Redhill Fishery.
THE BEST MATCH ANGLERS USE THE BEST FISHING POLES TO COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.
Mike Bedding 13.96%
Nobody had ever won the much-vaunted RiverFest title more than once, but Mike put a stop to that when he scooped the silverware for a second time. He made the most of two favourable draws on a moody River Trent to put together a 115lb 9oz total, showing great tactical versatility as he caught barbel on day one before switching his attention to bream the next day.
THE BEST CHUB FISHING RODS WILL HAVE YOU CATCHING NETFULS OF THESE FANTASTIC RIVER FISH.
Jamie Hughes 9.76%
Arguably one of the greatest commercial fishery anglers ever, Jamie tasted yet more success this year with victory in the Maver Match This final. He also framed in several other major events, bagging second in both The Golden Reel and Fish Midlands finals. His appearance in the Fish O’Mania final made it his 13th in successive years. He also sealed notable results in festivals at Shropshire’s Monkhall Fisheries.
GET YOURSELF ONE OF THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES TO SIT COMFORTABLY ON THE BANK!
Kieran Marsden 9.49%
The Matrix-backed angler showcased his talents at Tunnel Barn Farm when he beat over 120 of the best commercial anglers in the game to be crowned the Daiwa Pole Masters champion. He came within a whisker of being crowned the Fish O’Mania champion too, before falling just one fish short at the final reckoning. He also qualified for the Maver Match This final and took the glory during the recent Westwood Lakes three-day festival after winning not just his section but the whole match on each day.
Adam Wakelin 3.52%
He became the first angler to win the Bait-Tech Feedermasters trophy at different venues, taking this year’s final at Tamar Lakes to back up his 2018 victory at Bough Beech. He was also part of the England Feeder Team that took silver home in the European Feeder Champs, while on the domestic team front he helped his Ringer Baits squad win the Bait-Tech Feedermasters Super League. Came third overall in both the UK Champs and Ireland’s Fermanagh Feeder Festival and has booked his place in both the Angling Trust Silverfish and On The Flyer Silverfish finals by recently winning qualifiers.
