Have questions about the Bellyfiction event, participation, fishing rules, facilities, accommodations, or planning your stay at Fishing Adventure? Our team is available to provide clear, practical answers and help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable event experience.
Each participant must have a WhatsApp-compatible mobile phone and be able to send and receive data abroad at all times during the event.
Depending on the booking, every participant must own and bring a bellyboat or kayak to the competition.
Fishing is only permitted from a bellyboat or kayak.
The use of electric motors is allowed. Wearing a life jacket on the bellyboat or kayak is mandatory at all times.
On Thursday, the use of depth sounders, fishfinders, live scopes, and similar electronics is NOT allowed.
On Friday and Saturday, the use of echo sounders, live scopes, and similar devices is allowed.
The competition starts on Thursday at 18:30 with a mass start. Kayak anglers will start 5 minutes later.
The start zone is located at spot 9.
Only fish caught and submitted within the following time windows are eligible for scoring:
Thursday: 18:30 – 22:00
Friday: 07:30 – 12:30 and 20:00 – 02:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 20:00
During break periods, all bellyboats and kayaks must leave the water.
Fishing from the shoreline is allowed during breaks.
The following species count toward the ranking:
Minimum sizes for evaluation:
Maximum number of fish per species that count:
Only the largest fish per category will be counted.
Scoring Factors per Species
Each participant may bring up to three rods, but only one rod may be actively used at any time. Trolling is allowed for this edition. Participants must maintain sufficient distance from other anglers to prevent unsafe situations.
A minimum distance of 15 meters must be maintained between anglers at all times.
Carrying a landing net is mandatory.
All fish must be handled with care and released responsibly.
Lip grips are not allowed.
Artificial lures are allowed.
Natural bait is allowed only if purchased at Fishing Adventure, to prevent the introduction of diseases, fungi, or parasites.
When using baitfish:
Worms can be purchased at Fishing Adventure.
Bait bags and tackle bags will be inspected before the start of the competition.
The fish must be clearly visible on the Bellyfiction Scale, including the official lanyard.
A separate catch photo is not required.
Participants using fixed measuring boards on their bellyboat or kayak must still use the official Bellyfiction scale of that year.
If the scale or lanyard is missing in the photo, the fish will not be scored no exceptions.
When hooking a catfish or sturgeon, immediately use the whistle provided in the starter pack. All bellyboats and kayaks within approximately 30 meters must also use their whistles until marshals acknowledge the situation.
Marshals will assist with:
A commemorative photo with marshals is allowed.
Rods and lines must be suitable for this type of fishing. Irresponsible handling of fish results in immediate disqualification.
The whistle may only be used for real assistance or emergencies.
Misuse or joke signaling will result in penalty time, during which the participant must leave the water completely.
Photos of catches on land are not permitted.
If you believe you have caught a potentially high-scoring fish, use the whistle to request marshal assistance for measuring and photographing.
This prevents loss of scoring opportunities, as occurred previously when fish slipped off the scale without proper documentation.
Measuring scales must be handled with care.
They are used for the entire weekend and no replacements will be available.
When targeting large sturgeon or catfish:
This is mandatory to protect the fish from injury.
The written word in the official Bellyfiction group always applies.
If the regulations do not cover a situation, the decision of the competition management is final.
There will be no discussion or appeal.
Bellyfiction is an international belly boat and kayak fishing event organised at Fishing Adventure, the largest fishing lake in the Netherlands.
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