The Fifth round of Fish’O’Mania XXVI saw a sell-out return to Viaduct Fisheries and it looked like being a fantastic match after some exceptional weights during the week. However, with temperatures dropping and lots of cold rain, it was clear early on that the fish had different ideas.

Top place and qualifying for the final was local angler Ben Hagg (Guru/Mainline Match), who unbelievably also came second in this qualifier last year. Wishing for a draw on Campbell Lake, Ben found himself on peg 135 and was definitely in with a chance.

Fishing short in front of himself to start and long down the side later on,  Ben went on to land carp up to 14lb and a total weight of 193lb 1oz. The carp fell to either pellet or meat and were coaxed with a trickle of 6mm pellet feed.

Ben Commented “Qualifying for this final means so much to me, having got into the Match This final last year I was determined to get into Fish’O’s. To me, Fish’O’Mania is the most prestigious of all the big money competitions and I’d dearly love to get my name on that trophy!”

Second place went to one of last years’ finalsits Russ Berryman (Cresta/Bait-Tech). Also drawing on Campbell Lake, peg 128, Russ landed carp to 12lb using the straight lead and fishing a 6mm wafter on a 14. Feeding a total of 5 pints of 6mm pellets to take the runners-up place with 123lb 4oz.

Another local angler Tony Gilbert (Preston Innovations Thatchers) was on Cary lake peg 78 and landed carp to 18lb on the waggler and bomb fishing pellets and meat to come third with 116lb 4oz.Our thanks once more to Matt and the team at Viaduct Fisheries, to Nigel Franks for running the match, and to all that anglers that chanced their arm.

We move northwards for the next qualifier at Heronbrook Fisheries. It’s worth noting; as always we close the tickets on Wednesday before the match at 15:30, so make sure you visit the booking site to guarantee a ticket!

Results
1st        Ben Hagg              Guru/Mainline Match                  193-1
2nd       Russell Berryman  Cresta/Bait-tech.                        123-4
3rd        Tony Gilbert           Preston Innovations Thatchers  116-4
4th        Lewis Walker                                                            100-0
5th        Andy Power           Preston Innovations                    91-10