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Harrell Confident That Rivermania Will Run This Year
Match fishing legend, Dave Harrell is convinced that his brainchild – an exciting new competition taking in most of the country’s top match rivers – is going to go ahead this year.

“I have always felt that river fishing is lacking in a flagship, big-money event to capture the imagination of the anglers,” Dave explained.

“For anglers in the Midlands, the Evesham Festival provides a great event for them to get involved with, but there are so many thriving river circuits up and down the country that have no greater prize to fish for – and I want to change that.  

"I ran a piece in the Angling Times outlining my idea, and asking for potential organisers to come forward, who might be interested in holding a qualifier on their venue. The number of calls and e-mails that I received over the next few weeks was unbelievable, with loads of match organisers volunteering their services.

"I am currently in the process of sorting out dates, but expect to run qualifiers on most of the UK’s major match rivers, including the Avon, Trent, Thames, Ure, Swale, Don, Weaver and Severn. The response really has been overwhelming.

"Ideally, I would like a 60-peg final over two days – with the result being decided on weight. Subject to entry, I am hoping to secure a £10,000 pot for the winner, and significant payouts for the top-five finishers. Final details will be confirmed over the next few weeks, and I hope to hold the first qualifier sometime in the middle of July!”