Bright sunny conditions awaited the 90 anglers who made their way to Monk Lakes in Kent for the latest Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier.

With the top three separated by just 8lbs, every fish was critical late on, followed by a very anxious wait for the all important weigh in.

Holding out for top spot and qualifying on the day was Tidbury angler Ross Harold. Ross qualified from the unfancied Lake 1, peg 12, with 134lbs of F1’s and carp. Ross landed some large carp to 14lbs and qualified for the second year in succession.

Taking close runners up spot was Zoltan Lari who travelled down from Ipswich. Zoltan drew on Lake 3 and caught 127lbs 8oz of carp to 10lbs. Zoltan fished long pole and corn across to the rushes and only fed lightly to keep a steady flow of carp coming.

Third on the day was Peter Upperton from Sutton. Peter drew on Lake 1, peg 36, and caught 126lbs 2oz. Peter fished pole and pellet for a predominantly carp based weight.

Fourth spot went to Ross Bibby who landed 122lbs from peg 22 on Lake 1 and completing the top five was James Grainger, who caught 114lbs 14oz.

Thanks to Morgan and his staff for hosting the qualifier.

Results;
1st Ross Harold 134lbs
2nd Zoltan Lari 127lbs 8oz
3rd Peter Upperton 126lbs 2oz
4th Ross Bibby 122lbs
5th James Grainger 114lbs 14oz

Our next qualifier is at Lake View on Wednesday, 17th May. As usual there may be some tickets available on the day for Angling Trust members, so please make yourself known to Mick Turner on the morning.

The Fish ‘O’ Mania grand final will be held on Saturday, 8th July, at Cudmore Fisheries with 24 anglers competing for the £50,000 winner’s prize. More information…

Tickets are still available for Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifiers.

Picture: Winner Ross Harold