Seventy-two hardened match anglers made their way to the Midland mecca which is Lakeview fishery in Melton Mowbray for the 13th qualifier for Fish ’O’ Mania 2017.

Wet weather and falling pressure resulted in tricky conditions, however it also ensured a very fair contest with the lake’s larger residents not playing ball.

Winner on the day and qualifying for the £50,000 final was Fish ’O’ Mania regular Jamie Hughes (MAP). Drawn on one of the fancied pegs Canal 13, Jamie fished long and light, with 4mm pellet amassing an impressive 118lbs 4oz made up of F1’s and carp up to 4lbs.

Runner up at Lakeview was Paul Wright (Halkon Hunt/Dynamite Baits) who drew peg 23 on Lagoon Lake. Paul caught F1’s and carp to 8lbs to make up his weight of 93lbs 12oz. Tactics were to feed 4mm pellet down his margins, hoping for a few better fish.

Craig Goldstraw from Ashbourne in Derbyshire was third. Drawn on Lagoon peg 8, Craig focussed his attention short with 4mm pellet and caught 87lbs 6oz almost exclusively made up of F1’s

Fourth spot went to Gareth Malhem from Canal peg 25 with 81lbs 6oz and close on his tail was David Breakwell with 81lbs 1oz from Harbour peg 6.

A massive thanks to Richard Turner and his team at Lakeview for hosting the qualifier.

Results;
1st Jamie Hughes 118lbs 4oz
2nd Paul Wright 93lbs 12oz
3rd Craig Goldstraw 87lbs 6oz
4th Gareth Malhem 81lbs 6oz
5th David Breakwell 81lbs 1oz

The next qualifiers are at Hallcroft fishery and Lindholme lakes this weekend. Some tickets may be available on the day for Angling Trust members, so please make yourself known to the event organiser on the morning.