The first new look Fish’O’Mania qualifier certainly drew an audience as anglers watched on Facebook Live as their pegs were drawn.

Many fancied Andy May, Kieran Marsden and Connor Barlow after decent draws on the Covey’s, however, eyes also needed to be on Spey having produced previous qualifiers. The weather gods certainly weren’t aware that Saturday was the return of Fish’O’Mania, as the heavens opened and the wind whistled around Partridge Lakes. However, this didn’t put off the ravenous shoals of F1s and carp and 130lb was needed to make the top six!

It was indeed the Guru backed Connor Barlow that made the most of his good draw on Covey 6, peg 137. Connor started long across to the mudline on maggots over groundbait, catching mainly F1s, but as the match progressed he managed to snare a few bigger fish down his margins on the same tactics for his 190lb 0oz. Connor commented ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be back in the final after getting in Five years ago.’

Second on the day and also on Covey 6, was Cresta backed Kieran Marsden. Kieran drew just four pegs away on peg 133 and the pair had a proper battle with both each other, and the wind! At the scales Kieran weighed an impressive 169lb 12oz, which he’d mainly caught down his edge on maggot over micros.

Rounding out the top three was Mitchell Rawlinson who also beat the 150lb mark with 150lb 8oz. Mitchell drew on peg 149 on Covey 6 and employed caster shallow tactics to amass his impressive weight.

Our thanks first and foremost to Barbara, Nelly and the Team at Partridge for not only chipping into the construction of our new procedures, but also hosting an exemplary qualifier. Further thanks to Dave Watkins for organising the match.

Our next qualifier is another SELLOUT at Tunnel Barn Farm and anglers are reminded to check the New procedures if they haven’t done so already and pay for their pool on the Online Booking Site.

RESULTS:

1.Connor Barlow 190lb

2.Kieran Marsden 169lb 12oz

3.Mitchell Rawlinson 150lb 8oz

4.Ryan Mckinlay 146lb 14oz

5.Lee Bennett 138lb 2oz

6.Chris Weeder Jnr 138lb 2oz