Despite a sharp drop in temperature overnight, Solhampton Fisheries, near Stourport on Severn demonstrated some results that means it will undoubtedly host other similar events in the future.

Fished over seven lakes, most competitors had no idea what to expect at this Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier held on Saturday 19th March but with no F1s, some large carp and hordes of ide present across the whole complex, for many this was the most unpredictable Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier for a while.

It was Kerry Kirkwood (Trafford Tackle/Matrix) who made the long journey from Manchester worthwhile, booking his place in the 2016 Fish ‘O’ Mania final with 113lb 13oz, consisting of 25 carp up to 7lbs on bread or corn down the edge towards a bridge over a small cutting on Peg 8 at Dragonfly Pool. It was not plain sailing for Kerry though as he managed just three carp in the last 45 minutes, as pedestrian traffic over the bridge spooked the shoal.

Second and third places came off adjacent pegs on Valley Lake where Rob Brennan (Kidderminster) came out on top with 103lbs 12oz consisting of carp into double figures caught on sweetcorn and pellet down the edge, which left Neil Colcombe in third place with a similar catch weighing 102lbs. For Neil the result may have been different if he had not hooked a branch which dragged through his catch area meaning a bite-less last hour.

The Fish ‘O’ Mania action continues over the Easter bank holiday with Lakeview Fishery, Melton Mowbray on Saturday 26th March and Gold Valley Lakes on Sunday 27th March.