Bright still conditions met the 88 anglers who fished the penultimate Fish’O’Mania qualifier at Gold Valley Lakes, and It seemed most fish were more interested in sunbathing than feeding.

With lots of feasible methods to win at Gold Valley the draw was critical, some lakes are dominated by F1s, and others by large specimen sized carp. It was these lakes dominated by the larger carp that would end up on top, with the Middle Lakes moody F1s noticeable by their absence at the weigh in.

Nathan Watson has been there and done it before with regards to Fish’O’Mania qualification. Drawing last from 13 pegs remaining, as there were lots of no shows, peg 119 on Syndicate lake stuck to Nathans hand, which had been earmarked as one of the favourite pegs.

Nathan started slowly, mugging a few large carp on the pole before switching to the waggler to chase the moody larger carp. Nathan took fish both up in the water and on the deck under his feed, to put 115lb 8ozs on the scales in the five hours.

On the other side of the lake at peg 117, Craig Meadows also caught well on the pellet. This time the bomb and pellet waggler being the chosen tactics. Craig finished only a couple of fish behind Nathan with a round 103lb.

Gold Lake then took the rest of the framing places, Olly Tiller on peg 34 taking 3rd place with 82lb 4oz, and Paul Tidball hot on his heels with 81lb 2oz.

The Angling Trust would like to thank John Raison and his staff for their help and assistance on the day. Andre Grandjean should also receive great praise for hosting a very tidy match.

RESULTS:

1. Nathan Watson 115lbs 8ozs
2. Craig Meadows 103lbs
3. Olly Tilley 82lb 4oz
4. Paul Tidball 81lb 2oz
5. Craig Edmunds 75lb 12oz