The Golden Reel Angling Final returns to Larford Lakes in Worcestershire on Saturday, September 19, 2026, bringing together qualifiers from across the UK commercial match-fishing circuit.
The competition is now in its tenth year and features 26 qualifying matches before the Grand Final.
When Is the 2026 Golden Reel Final?
The 2026 Golden Reel Grand Final takes place on:
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Venue: Larford Lakes, near Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire
Lake: Specimen Lake
Larford Lakes has become closely associated with the competition and also hosted the 2025 final.
How Does Qualification Work?
The 2026 Golden Reel season consists of 26 qualifiers staged at leading commercial fisheries around the country.
The winner of each individual qualifier progresses directly to the Grand Final.
Two semi-finalists from each qualifier also progress to a separate semi-final match, giving anglers another route into the final.
Qualifying matches are generally limited to 60 pegs, with tickets available through the official Golden Reel Angling website.
What Is the Golden Reel Prize Money in 2026?
Golden Reel says the prize structure is dependent on qualifiers reaching the required ticket sales.
Subject to at least 60 tickets being sold for each qualifier, the planned prizes are:
- £40,000 for the winner
- £5,000 for second place
- £3,000 for third place
- Additional prizes for four section winners
That makes the Golden Reel one of the more lucrative individual competitions on the UK commercial match-fishing calendar.
Remaining Golden Reel Qualifiers
As of August 2026, several qualifying opportunities remain before the final.
Upcoming fixtures include Larford Lakes on August 22, Hayfield on August 30, The Glebe on September 5 and Lindholme Lakes on September 13.
Most qualifiers use a 9am draw followed by fishing from 11am until 4pm.
Anglers should check the official Golden Reel website before travelling, as ticket availability and event details can change.
Who Won the Golden Reel in 2025?
Matty Dawes won the 2025 Golden Reel Final at Larford Lakes, beating Jimmy Brooks by around 2lb to claim the £30,000 first prize.
The result highlighted how close the final can be, with relatively small weight differences deciding significant amounts of prize money.
Who Are the Leading Anglers for 2026?
It is still too early to produce a meaningful list of favourites for the September final because the complete field has not yet been decided.
Several experienced commercial match anglers have appeared during the qualifying campaign, including Jamie Hughes, while additional finalists will be determined through the remaining qualifiers and semi-final.
Once the final line-up is confirmed, previous Golden Reel results, recent form and an angler’s record at Larford Lakes will give a better indication of the strongest contenders.
Will There Be Betting Odds on the Golden Reel Final?
Betting markets have previously been offered on major match-fishing events, including earlier Golden Reel finals.
However, odds are not consistently available and there is currently no established 2026 market worth quoting.
Anyone looking to bet on the final should check regulated UK bookmakers closer to the event rather than relying on old prices from previous editions.
Golden Reel 2026
The key date is September 19, 2026, when the Grand Final returns to Larford Lakes.
Before then, the remaining qualifiers will decide much of the field. With a potential £40,000 first prize available, the final again represents one of the biggest individual paydays in UK commercial match fishing.
