Anglers from all over the country returned to Hayfield Lakes, Doncaster for the fourth qualifying round of this year’s Fish ‘O’ Mania competition on Saturday 19th April, which for many years was the home of the Fish ‘O’ Mania grand final. But it was a local angler David Burley, a 24 year old fitter from Rossington, Doncaster that put his local knowledge of the fishery to good use to take the winning honours, and book his place in this year’s grand finale.
David fished peg 23 on Island Lake started on the method feeder over to the Island for a couple of early carp before switching to the pellet waggler, he fed 4 pints of pellet regularly throughout the rest of the match to put together his all carp winning weight of 169 lb 10 oz with his largest fish over 15 lb.
Second place went to Marc Jones who had won the Fish ‘O’ Mania title from Hayfield Lakes in the past. Drawn peg 21 on Island just two pegs from the winner Marc fished method feeder over to the Island for his weight of 126 lb. Third place was taken by Sheffield’s Roy Palmer also drawn on Island Lake.
Roy fished method feeder from peg 50 with carp to 9 lb for his 114 lb net. Paul Holmes travelled from his home in Burnley for his fourth place, again drawn on Island Lake Paul fished pellet waggler from peg 34 for his 95 lb 14 oz.
On Wednesday 23rd April Gold Valley at Aldershot, Hampshire plays host to the fifth Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier with another qualifying place up for grabs for the grand final in July.