Sunday, 4th May saw the Golden Reel return to Larford Lakes in Stourport for the eighth qualifier of 2025. Despite carp spawning during the week, there were still some big weights were still on the cards. Sam Brown clinched the victory in a closely fought match, despite a slow start.
Sam took top honours from peg 13 on the Match Grass Bank. As with last week’s qualifier, the end peg advantage proved to be decisive. He finished the match with 246lb 11oz — enough to book a place in the final by just 11lb.
In his update on Facebook, Sam revealed he kept his approach deliberately simple. He set up to fish short, down both edges, and with a mugging rig. Despite a quiet opening spell, he found the key to unlocking his swim mid-match.
I had around 60lb after two and a half hours and could see others catching. I had fish in both edges but couldn’t sort it until I switched from meat to throwing maggots and casters, and fishing a Dynamite Baits worm on the hook. It was like flicking a switch.
That tactical change sparked a steady run of big fish, with Sam swapping between both margin lines during quick bagging spells. He relied on his favoured 15–18 Maver Tri Core elastic through MVR Powerkits to keep Larford’s powerful carp under control.
By the all-out, his 246lb was just enough to edge out Chris Lane in a tight finish and secure his spot in the Grand Final – back at his favourite venue.
Chris Lane took the runner-up spot with 235lb 1oz from peg 10 on the Match Lake, narrowly missing out on the win. Pete Upperton secured third place from peg 27 on Match Burr with 214lb 5oz, while Josh Palmer landed 202lb 12oz from the Match Grass to finish fourth. Rounding out the top five was Jamie Hughes, also on the Match Grass, with 171lb 11oz.
With both Pete Upperton and Josh Palmer already qualified, the Golden Reel semi-final places went to second-placed Chris Lane and fifth-placed Jamie Hughes.
Congratulations to Sam Brown, who becomes the eight angler to qualify for the Golden Reel Grand Final. The final will take place at Larford Lakes on 20th September.
A complete list of all eight anglers who have qualified for this year’s Golden Reel Grand Final so far is below:
The next Golden Reel qualifier will be held on Sunday, 11th May at The Glebe. Tickets for all Golden Reel qualifiers are available from the Golden Reel website: GoldenReelAngling.co.uk. Tickets cost £50.