Batak Carp Competition 2026 proved once again that fishing can be much more than a sport, a hobby, or a trophy competition. It can be a cause, a community, and a personal example of respect for nature, water bodies, and future generations.
The third edition of the carp competition "Yaz. Batak Carp Competition 2026" was held from May 7 to 10, 2026, and the host was once again one of the most beautiful and beloved Bulgarian reservoirs - Batak Dam.
This year, the event brought together teams, friends of fishing, volunteers and people united by a common idea - the development, preservation and promotion of the Batak Dam as a place of exceptional importance for fishing, tourism, nature and the local community.
Watch the video of the event here:
Beach cleaning – a tradition before the race
As with the previous two editions, a cleaning of the banks of the dam was carried out the day before the official opening. The action took place on May 6 and once again showed how important it is to care for nature, especially when we are talking about such a visited and beloved reservoir as the Batak Dam.
Did you know that… A piece of plastic thrown near a dam can remain in nature for hundreds of years, gradually breaking down into microplastics. These end up in the water, are ingested by fish, birds and other animals, and can reach humans through the food chain.
Participants, organizers, and volunteers collected a large amount of waste – both small trash and larger waste left on the shore. Such sights are a reminder that nature conservation should not be a one-time campaign, but an ongoing responsibility of everyone who visits the dam.
Cleaning is now becoming an integral part of Batak Carp CompetitionIt is a clear sign that the competition is not just a sports competition, but an initiative with real care for the place that brings together so many people.
Difficult fishing and tension until the end
The competition itself took place under difficult conditions. The weather was changeable almost the entire time, and the calm weather further complicated the fishing. Despite the presence of many fish in the bay, the catches were few.
The teams had quite a few crazy fish and over 10 missed shots, which made the competition even more intense. In such conditions, any bite could change the standings, and patience, concentration and the right tactics were crucial.
Batak Dam has once again shown that it is a beautiful, but also challenging body of water. It requires experience, perseverance and respect for fishing. This is what makes the competition so interesting - here the result is never certain until the very end.
Final standings
After a competitive race and difficult fishing, the final standings are as follows:
- Carp team Nekadernitsi – 13,680 kg.
- Carp Magic, village of Debrashtitsa – 13,540 kg.
- Carp team Bozevi – 11,550 kg.
- S'S DEPTH HUNTERS – 6,060 kg.
The other teams finished without a fish, but under such difficult conditions, the participation itself, perseverance, and sportsmanship deserve respect.
Event participants
This year's edition was attended by teams who supported the event and its cause through the fees paid:
- Carp Team Alaska
- Carp Team Rakitovo
- Team Geshevi
- Carp Team The Unlucky Ones
- Carp team Bozevi
- Tashev Tackle
- Pavcho Carp
- Carp Magic, village of Debrashtitsa
- Carp Team Rakitovo-1
- S'S DEPTH HUNTERS
- Tora Bora Carp Team
- Carp team Golaka
- Carp team Cepino
- Team Chapov
For the third consecutive year, the event was also filmed, which will help the story, emotion, and cause of the Batak Carp Competition reach even more people.
Proceeds from the event go to the 10th consecutive stocking of Batak Dam
One of the most important goals of Batak Carp Competition The care for the fish resources of the Batak Dam remains. This year, the income from participation fees is 2800 euros.
In addition, thanks to people who support the cause, 1,990 euros were also collected in donations. Thus, the total amount of fees and donations reaches 4,790 euros.
Absolutely all proceeds will be used for the 10th consecutive stocking of Batak Dam. This is the main mission of the event – not just to organize a fishing competition, but through it to actually support the development of the reservoir, its flora and fauna, and the future of sustainable fishing in the area.
Donors who supported the cause
The organizers express their gratitude to everyone who supported the initiative with donations:
- Ivan Stoyanov – €50
- Vesselin Enchev – €50
- Georgi Pepelyankov – €50
- Ivan Bilev – €100
- Stoil Angelov – 100 €
- Ivan Sinapov – €100
- Ivan Bosev – €50
- Stoycho Mirov – €50
- Mihail Sarbov – €50
- Elko the Goat – €100
- Boris Bebechev – €50
- Shiki Chavdarliev – 50 €
- Kiro Tsingov – €50
- Georgi Tsanov – €50
- Georgi Angelov – €50
- Krasimir Bozev – €100
- Atanas Mihaylov – €50
- Iliya Utev – €50
- Dimitar Temelkov – €50
- Vladimir Troshanov – €100
- Georgi Dimov – €50
- Wasim Saifi – €50
- Krasimir Bozadzhiyski – €50
- Georgi Chipilov – €100
- Restaurant "Raiski Kat" – €100
- Georgi Chakarov -50 €
- Iliya Nikolov €50
- Maria Toskova -50 €
- Angel Mihov -25 €
- Sabin Zhelyazkov -25 €
- Stoyan Neshev – €40
- Radoslav Tashkov – €50
- Valentin Dimov -50 €
Every donation is an important part of the common cause. It shows that when people are united around a meaningful idea, the results are real and visible.
Children – the most important part of the cause
One of the best moments this year was the attention given to the youngest. Medals and prizes were provided for all the children, and their joy was one of the most valuable rewards for the organizers.
The children were very happy, and such gestures leave memories that can build a true attitude towards nature. The cause of the National Association for the Development of Water Bodies is not only to organize competitions, clean-ups and fish-stockings. One of the most important missions is to teach children to appreciate nature, to respect its inhabitants and to understand why water bodies must be protected.
Because the future of the Batak Dam and all Bulgarian reservoirs depends precisely on the next generation.
More than a competition
Batak Carp Competition is now much more than a carp competition. It is an event with a cause that unites anglers, volunteers, children, donors, friends of nature and people who believe that change starts with a personal example.
SEE MORE: BATAK Carp Competition 2025
Cleaning the shore, caring for the fish resource, promoting responsible fishing, attention to children, and the annual stocking turn the event into a true initiative for the development of the Batak Dam.
Every year, the Batak Carp Competition proves that when there is desire, organization and community, the results are visible. The collected waste, the raised funds, the happy children, the sportsmanship and the respect between the teams are no less important than the kilograms in the final ranking.
Let's protect the Batak Dam
Batak Dam is one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria – a reservoir with huge potential for fishing, tourism, recreation and nature experiences. But to remain so, it needs constant care.
Every discarded waste, every irresponsible behavior, and every disregard for nature leaves a mark. Therefore, the organizers' appeal remains clear: keep the dam clean, respect the fish, follow the rules, and be an example for children.
Anyone who wants to support the cause, even if they did not attend the event, can make a donation via bank transfer:
Holder: National Watershed Development Association
IBAN: BG57 ESPY 4004 0039 0437 52
BIC: ESPYBGS1
Reason: Stocking of Batak Dam
Batak Carp Competition continues to show that fishing can be a cause. And when the cause is related to nature, children and the future of one of the most beloved Bulgarian reservoirs, it deserves everyone's support.
