Bellyfiction 2022
Official Event Overview
From 26 to 28 May 2022, the ultimate soft-bait abrasion festival took place at Fishing Adventure in Enschede. Bellyfiction 2022 marked a defining chapter in the history of the event, bringing together competitive bellyboat and kayak anglers from across Europe for three intense days of fishing, strategy, endurance, and community.
Organised by Frank and Sandra, this edition represented the pure essence of what Bellyfiction stood for at the time: a technically demanding predator fishing competition combined with a strong social atmosphere, high organisational standards, and deep respect for both fish and anglers. The Bellyfiction 2022 edition was not just about winning—it was about proving skill under pressure on the Fishing Adventure Lake, one of the most challenging waters in the Netherlands.
The Concept Behind Bellyfiction 2022
Bellyfiction was never designed as a standard fishing match. In 2022, the concept focused on controlled competition, where preparation, adaptability, and decision-making mattered as much as raw fishing ability.
Anglers competed exclusively from bellyboats and kayaks, creating a level playing field and ensuring close interaction with the water. This format removed the advantage of large boats and heavy equipment, placing emphasis on finesse, positioning, and understanding fish behavior.
“Bellyfiction is not just about catching fish—it’s about proving skill, adaptability, and respect for the water. Bellyfiction 2022 showed that true competition thrives where professionalism and passion meet.”
The Fishing Adventure lake, spanning over 44 hectares, offered a complex underwater structure, varying depths, and a diverse predator stock—making it an ideal venue for a competition of this caliber.
Structure of the Event Weekend
Three Days of High-Level Predator Fishing
Bellyfiction 2022 unfolded over three carefully structured days:
- Thursday & Friday – Qualifying Rounds
Each day hosted 50 anglers. The competition was intense, with every participant pushing to secure a place in the final. Only the top 25 anglers per day advanced. - Saturday – The Grand Final
The final brought together the strongest competitors from both qualifying days. The pressure was high, conditions were demanding, and only consistent performance across multiple species could secure a podium position.
Target Species and Scoring Philosophyg comfort
One of the defining elements of Bellyfiction 2022 was its multi-species format. Anglers were required to adapt continuously, targeting different predators under changing conditions.
Species included:
- Pike
- Pike Perch (Zander)
- Perch
- Black Bass
- Catfish
- Sturgeon
- Striped Bass
- Asp
- Rainbow Trout
Each species carried its own minimum size requirement and scoring factor, ensuring balance between common and rare catches. The system rewarded versatility and punished tunnel vision—forcing anglers to read the water, adjust techniques, and make strategic choices throughout the day.
More Than Just Competition
Training, Warm-Ups, and Recovery
While competition was central, Bellyfiction 2022 was deliberately designed to avoid burnout. The schedule included:
- Free training sessions
- Warm-up periods
- Mandatory breaks
- Clearly defined rest windows
These elements allowed anglers to recover physically and mentally, maintaining fairness and safety throughout the event. Fishing from bellyboats and kayaks is physically demanding, and the organisers ensured that participants could perform at their best without unnecessary risk.
The Social Core of Bellyfiction 2022
Bellyfiction has always been as much about people as it is about fish. In 2022, the event once again proved to be a meeting point for the European predator fishing community.
Between sessions, anglers gathered at Fishing Adventure’s facilities to:
- Share tactics and experiences
- Discuss conditions and fish behavior
- Enjoy food and drinks together
- Strengthen friendships and build new connections
For many participants, Bellyfiction 2022 was not just a competition weekend—it was a reunion and a shared experience that extended far beyond the leaderboard.
Facilities at Fishing Adventure During the Event
The venue played a crucial role in the success of Bellyfiction 2022. Fishing Adventure offered:
- A fully fenced and secure terrain
- On-site electricity and charging points
- Toilets and showers
- Food and drinks available throughout the event
- Equipment rental and bait supply
- Dedicated areas for bellyboats and kayaks
These facilities ensured that participants could focus entirely on the competition and the experience, without logistical distractions.
Responsible Fishing and Fish Care
A core value of Bellyfiction 2022 was responsible angling. Strict rules ensured the wellbeing of fish stocks:
- Mandatory catch-and-release
- Careful handling procedures
- Use of approved measuring systems
- Immediate release of large species with marshal assistance
Special protocols were in place for species such as catfish and sturgeon, requiring coordination with marshals to ensure safe handling and measurement. This approach reinforced Bellyfiction’s reputation as a competition that prioritised sustainability alongside performance.
High-Quality Prizes and Recognition
Those who reached the final competed not just for rankings, but for serious prizes. Bellyfiction 2022 featured high-quality rewards supplied by sponsors who understood the value of skill-based competition. Recognition at Bellyfiction carried weight within the predator fishing community. A strong result in 2022 was seen as proof of technical mastery rather than chance.
Organisation by Frank and Sandra
The 2022 edition was one of the final Bellyfiction events fully organised by Frank and Sandra, whose influence shaped the identity of the competition.
Their focus on:
- Clear communication
- Strict but fair rules
- Angler safety
- Community atmosphere
set a standard that many participants still reference when talking about the “classic” Bellyfiction editions.
Legacy of Bellyfiction 2022
Looking back, Bellyfiction 2022 stands out as a benchmark edition. It successfully balanced competition, community, and conservation—proving that high-level predator fishing events can exist without compromising ethics or enjoyment. For many anglers, this edition remains one of the most memorable Bellyfiction experiences, not because of a single catch, but because of the complete package it offered.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Bellyfiction 2022 laid the groundwork for future editions while closing an important chapter in the event’s history. It captured the spirit of the competition at a time when passion, craftsmanship, and community were deeply intertwined. Whether remembered for the intense finals, the challenging water, or the friendships formed onshore, Bellyfiction 2022 remains a defining moment in the evolution of the event.
