The Team Ségala Carp Trophy Takes on a New Dimension on the Lot River

Team Ségala Carp Trophy 2026
Team Ségala Carp Trophy 2026

Created in 2018 by the Team Ségala Carpe association, the eponymous tournament has now established itself as one of the premier events for wild carp fishing in France. In seven years, the event has seen spectacular growth: from 15 teams of two anglers at its inception, it will bring together no fewer than 44 teams in 2026, each composed of four competitors, for a total of 176 participants.

This surge in popularity is a testament to the competition?s growing appeal. ?Every year, we see growing enthusiasm. Some teams travel from far away to be part of this adventure,? notes Camille Combettes, president of the organizing association.

Another major development this year is the expansion of the fishing grounds. With the addition of the Cabrerets AAPPMA, the fishing route now spans over 244 kilometers of riverbanks, spread across the Aveyron and Lot departments. This expansion was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the local AAPPMA associations?Conques, Decazeville, Aubin, Capdenac, Figeac, and Cajarc?as well as the support of the departmental federations.

A large-scale organization

Behind this extraordinary competition lies a highly organized logistical operation. Seventeen officials will be on duty throughout the event, divided into six teams to monitor catches day and night. Their mission: to inspect, weigh, and record each fish in accordance with the rules.

At the same time, a media team will provide real-time coverage via social media and dedicated digital platforms, allowing fans to follow the standings as they change.

True to its roots, the tournament retains its ?wild? format, where strategy and adaptability are key. Each team is assigned a sector by random draw and must then develop its own approach.

The 2026 edition will be organized around seven sectors, each supported by a well-known brand in the carp fishing world: Sarthe Pêche, Carpe Experience, Starbaits, Tracker, Nash, Avid Carp, and Fox.

Benchmark performance

The 2025 event made a lasting impression with impressive results: over a ton of fish caught in just a few days, more than a hundred carp recorded, and several specimens weighing over 20 kg.

Once again this year, the public will be able to follow the competition live via a dedicated app and the organization?s digital channels.

Despite this growing popularity, the organizers remain committed to the event?s original spirit.

A Strong Commitment to the Environment

Beyond its sporting aspect, the Team Ségala Carpe Trophy is part of a sustainable initiative. Since its inception, the event?s profits have been reinvested in stocking the Lot River. Each year, between 100 and 250 carp are released into the relevant sections of the river, in partnership with local organizations.

The competition also adheres to a strict "no-kill" policy. All carp caught are handled according to a rigorous protocol: they are handled with care, weighed, and then released back into the water under the best possible conditions.

This philosophy, which combines athletic performance with environmental conservation, is one of the tournament?s defining characteristics. It is central to its identity and its appeal to both competitors and partners, while embodying a modern and responsible approach to carp fishing.

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