Nina Taylor 
Every November, the Messe Magdeburg transforms into something close to an angler’s paradise. For two days, the halls fill with rods, reels, boats, travel destinations, and thousands of people who all share one simple passion. Whether you fish for sea bass off the coast of Norway or chase pike and catfish in local German waters, this event has something built specifically for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know before heading to Magdeburg in 2026.
Dates, Venue and Quick Facts
The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Messe Magdeburg, located at Tessenowstrasse 9 in 39114 Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
This event has deep roots in the German fishing community. It began in 2005 as the Magdeburg Sea Fishing Days and has grown steadily ever since. The 2025 edition marked its 20th anniversary, drawing more than 6,600 visitors and over 90 exhibitors. That milestone reflects just how much this gathering has become a fixture on the German angling calendar.
Today, the event is officially known as the Magdeburger Angeltage, a name that captures its broader scope. It now covers sea fishing, predatory fish angling, and a growing interest in carp and catfish fishing, alongside the travel and tourism side of the sport. Therefore, no matter which type of fishing excites you most, you are likely to find dedicated content and exhibitors waiting inside the halls.
Why This Event Matters to German Anglers
Germany has a passionate and highly organized fishing community, and this gathering has become its largest annual meeting point. According to the organizers, it is the biggest trade fair in the German-speaking world dedicated to coarse fishing, sea fishing, and predatory fish angling.
More than 100 exhibitors typically register each year to present the latest trends in fishing sport along with new equipment from manufacturers. Additionally, well-known angling professionals appear throughout the weekend to share tips and techniques through talks and live workshops. This combination of commercial exhibition and genuine expert knowledge-sharing is what sets the event apart from a simple trade show.
The event also has a strong international dimension. Visitors come not just from across Germany but from neighboring countries as well, drawn by the chance to compare equipment, plan upcoming fishing trips, and meet some of the most recognized names in the sport.
What You Will Find on the Show Floor
The exhibition floor covers an impressive range of product categories. These include boats, clothing, fishing rods, reels, cords, lines, leads, synthetic bait, rubber fish lures, wobblers, and journals covering the wider fishing lifestyle. Beyond equipment, exhibitors also showcase fishing destinations, fishing techniques, and organized fishing trips, making this as much a travel-planning event as it is a gear showcase.
For anglers planning their next big trip, the destination zone is particularly valuable. Many exhibitors specialize in organizing sea fishing expeditions to Norway, Scotland, Denmark, and other prime fishing locations across Europe. Visitors can speak directly with tour operators, compare packages, and book trips on the spot if they find the right fit.
However, the event is not limited to sea fishing alone. A significant portion of the floor is dedicated to predatory fish angling, with exhibitors showcasing the latest lures, rods, and techniques for catching pike, zander, and perch. Carp and catfish fishing has also become an increasingly prominent theme in recent years, reflecting a broader trend within the German angling community toward these specialized disciplines.
Highlights to Look Forward To in 2026
Live Stage Programs and Expert Talks
Both exhibition halls feature a varied stage program throughout the weekend. Sea fishing content is typically hosted by Rainer Korn, editor-in-chief of the specialist magazine Kutter & Küste and a familiar face at the event for many years. His sessions cover everything from boat fishing techniques to seasonal strategies for different species.
Well-known professional anglers, bloggers, and presenters from the German fishing scene present separate content on predatory fish, carp, and catfish. These sessions blend practical demonstrations with storytelling, making them engaging even for visitors who are still relatively new to the sport.
The Influencer and Meet-and-Greet Lounge
In recent years, the event has embraced the growing role of social media within the fishing community. A dedicated influencer lounge gives visitors the chance to meet popular fishing YouTubers and content creators in a relaxed setting. Additionally, a meet-and-greet area allows fans to chat informally with professional anglers and well-known figures from the scene, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.
Babs Kijewski’s Girls Lounge
One of the standout additions to the event in recent editions has been a dedicated space celebrating women within the angling community. Hosted by professional angler, presenter, and blogger Barbara Babs Kijewski, this lounge invites visitors to meet the women shaping the sport today. It reflects a welcome and growing shift toward inclusivity within a hobby that has traditionally been seen as male-dominated.
New Products and Equipment Trends
As with every edition, manufacturers use the event to introduce their newest releases for the upcoming season. Visitors can expect to see the latest reels, rods, electronic fish finders, and tackle innovations on display, often with hands-on demonstration areas where you can try equipment before buying.
Ticket Prices and How to Save Money
Attending the event is genuinely affordable for a full weekend of activities. Based on recent pricing, a standard adult day ticket typically costs about €9 when purchased in advance. Reduced tickets are usually priced between €7 and €8. These discounted rates apply to children and teenagers aged 7 to 17, students, and severely disabled visitors. Holders of eligible volunteer service cards can also qualify for the reduced admission price.
Family tickets offer particularly good value. Visitors can typically purchase a family pass for around 29 euros, covering two adults and up to three of their own children aged 17 and under. This makes the event an accessible outing for families who want to introduce children to the sport or simply enjoy a day out together.
Therefore, if you are planning to bring the whole family, the family ticket is almost always the smarter choice compared to buying individual admissions. Tickets are generally available both online in advance and at the door, though buying ahead through the official website helps you avoid any potential queues on the day.
Practical Visitor Tips for Magdeburg Fishing Days 2026
A little planning goes a long way at an event of this size. The following tips are based on patterns from previous editions and should help you make the most of your visit.
- Buy your ticket online in advance through the official event website to save time and often a small amount of money.
- Arrive close to opening time on Saturday if you want a quieter experience before the crowds build through the afternoon.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The event spans two large exhibition halls plus outdoor areas, and you will likely spend several hours walking the floor.
- Bring a notebook or use your phone to record product names, prices, and exhibitor booth numbers, since the sheer scale of exhibitors can make it easy to lose track.
- Check the stage program schedule as soon as you arrive, so you can plan your day around the specific talks or demonstrations that interest you most.
- If you are interested in booking a fishing trip, bring your travel dates and budget in mind so you can compare offers from multiple tour operators efficiently.
- Visit the meet-and-greet and influencer lounges earlier in the day, as these areas tend to draw larger crowds as the weekend progresses.
Getting to Messe Magdeburg
Messe Magdeburg is centrally located and well connected by both road and public transport. Visitors travelling by car can find dedicated parking close to the exhibition halls. Those using public transport can reach the venue easily from Magdeburg’s main train station. Local tram and bus connections provide convenient access to the exhibition center.
For visitors travelling from outside the city, Magdeburg is a manageable journey from several major German cities, including Berlin, Leipzig, and Hannover. Booking accommodation in the city center a few weeks ahead of the event is recommended, since hotel rooms can fill quickly during the fishing days weekend.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of Magdeburg’s celebrated fishing exhibition returns on November 7 and 8 at Messe Magdeburg, building on a 20-year tradition that has grown into the largest fishing trade fair in the German-speaking world. Visitors can expect more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in sea fishing, predatory fish angling, carp and catfish gear, boats, clothing, and travel destinations. Highlights include expert-led stage programs, the increasingly popular influencer lounge, Babs Kijewski’s dedicated space for women in angling, and hands-on access to new equipment ahead of the coming season. Tickets remain affordable, with family passes offering particularly strong value for those bringing children along. With a little planning, including arriving early and checking the stage schedule in advance, visitors of all experience levels can enjoy a full and rewarding weekend immersed in the world of angling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the 2026 event take place?
The event runs on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Messe Magdeburg, Tessenowstrasse 9, 39114 Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
How much do tickets cost?
A standard adult day ticket typically costs around 9 euros in advance, with reduced tickets priced around 7 to 8 euros for children, students, and people with disabilities. Family tickets covering two adults and up to three children are usually priced around 29 euros.
What types of exhibitors can visitors expect to see?
Exhibitors cover boats, fishing rods, reels, clothing, lures, fishing lines, and travel operators specializing in sea fishing destinations across Europe. The event also features a growing section dedicated to predatory fish, carp, and catfish angling equipment.
Is the event suitable for families and beginners?
Yes. Family tickets make the event accessible for parents bringing children, and the stage program includes beginner-friendly talks and demonstrations from experienced anglers. The relaxed meet-and-greet areas also make it easy for newcomers to engage with the community.
What is the best way to plan a visit to avoid crowds?
Buying tickets online in advance, arriving close to opening time on Saturday, and checking the stage schedule before exploring the halls are all effective ways to make the most of your visit while avoiding the busiest periods of the weekend.
