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Over the course of two days, competitors will primarily be fishing for pike, zander, and perch. The first round will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a second day of competition on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Château de Val. The top-ranked team will claim the title of 2026 French Champion in boat-based predator fishing. More than 20,000 euros in prizes and awards are up for grabs, including 10,000 euros for the winners.
A lineup featuring champions, families, and mixed teams
Boat fishing is also all about teamwork. Eight dedicated pairs share the same last names: Courte, Cepa, Dechambre, Driancourt, Bijelic, Macré, Lataste?not to mention the Poutier brothers. On a lake as vast and technically challenging as Lake Bort-les-Orgues, communication between the two partners could be just as important as the choice of gear or the fishing strategy.
The field also includes several anglers from the national circuits. Kerguen and Derrien will represent Brittany, while Rivasseau and Fontaine will compete for Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Mickaël Sztern, paired with Reigner, rounds out a field marked by the diversity of the competitors? backgrounds. Three mixed-gender teams will also be competing: the pairs Dechambre and Bijelic, as well as Esnault and Maharaux.
A competition to follow closely
The 2026 Mercury Fishing Cup will receive extensive media coverage. Seven boats will be dedicated to media coverage, with a film crew and seven on-board cameramen. Footage will also be shot from inside two boats competing in the event: those belonging to the Toc brothers and the Sombre Pêche%E2euros%93Allan Glane team.
A video set, fixed cameras, and consultants will allow the public to follow the rounds on the YouTube channels of Mercury and the FFPS Carnassier, as well as on their Facebook pages.
Free activities for children
The event also aims to inspire a passion for fishing in young people. On Saturday, September 19, Val Castle will host the first Flashmer Kids Open in freshwater. Two free sessions will be offered, from 10 a.m. to noon and then from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Lures will be provided, and children simply need to bring their own fishing rods.
Open to the public without prior registration, subject to availability, these activities will complement the partners' village and allow families to discover the world of sport fishing. The site will be open to the public free of charge throughout the weekend.
