New match series almost sells out within two days

When new matchfishing events are launched, it can often take a few years for them to build in popularity, but not the Preston Innovations Feedermasters series.
In this, its first year, 80 per cent of qualifier tickets for the series have been sold within days of them becoming available, organisers have revealed this week.
The brainchild of England internationals Mick Vials and Lee Kerry, the event now sits along-
side RiverFest, Parkdean Masters, Fish O’Mania and the Maver Mega Match This events in offering British match anglers big money to fish for in 2016, with a guaranteed £12,000 going to the winner in September’s grand final.
Fished on both natural river and lake and commercial carp venues at home and abroad, both men have been astonished at the rapid take up of interest but pleased that their idea – to offer a match that anyone can win – struck a chord with anglers.
Venues, including Ferry Meadows, Barston Lakes, Southfield Reservoir and Bough Beech Reservoir, have already started erecting ‘sold out’ signs.
“I think we knew that we had a good concept as people like the fact that the matches have basic rules and that qualifying is within reach of everyone, not just the match winner,” Lee said.
“Also, by distributing the money through the final there’s a lot to fish for, with a further £12,000 being paid to second place downwards on top of the main prize.
“Why is feederfishing so popular? I think there are a number of reasons,” Lee added. “The success of the England Feeder team is, without doubt, important, but so is the basic concept of feederfishing. You can turn up with one rod and win the match and don’t need masses of bait or tackle to fish several methods. Even my dad, who hasn’t fished a coarse match for years, is fishing a few qualifiers. He knows he can chuck a feeder and catch some fish, so he feels he has a chance!”
“We’ve sold tickets to anglers in seven countries over three continents – Ireland, England, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Australia and even Malaysia!” Mick said. “We’re stunned!
“The idea was to create an event that would appeal to everyone as in other big competitions finalists can be overwhelmed by fishing against the stars of angling in front of live TV cameras and so on. We didn’t think Feedermasters would get off the ground so quickly, but it promises to be a great final as more tickets sold mean an increased payout.”
If you’re interested in getting one of the last handful of tickets on offer, call Sandra Drew, at the Angling Trust, on 01159 061301, and you must be an individual member of the Trust to fish. Reserve lists are also operating for sold-out matches, so you may just get in if there are some no-shows.