The 7th Fish ‘O’ Mania Qualifier took place at Woodlands View in Droitwich this weekend producing another classic in the race for the £25,000 prize money.
As has been the standard for this years Fish ‘O’ Mania, the conditions were not ideal with heavy rain and strong winds causing a slow start to the day.
However, the conditions didn’t put the fish off for long with the winner Neil Machin claiming victory with a weight of 105lbs 6oz. Neil fished caster shallow and corn down the edge to take a succession of carp and roach from High Pool peg 25. The triumphant Neil stated, “I didn’t fancy winning from High Pool as it hadn’t performed well previously for me. I was lucky as I managed to catch a lot of silver fish while others struggled going after the bigger catches.”
This is the second time Neil has qualified for the final and both times have been at Woodlands View. When asked about the venue he stated. “I only fish the venue perhaps once or twice a year but I always seem to do well. Woodlands has been a good venue to me and the key to winning I think is to fish for everything and catch what you can”.
The runner-up for the day was also from High Pool peg 14, with the Fishery Manager, Adrian Mason catching 95lbs of Carp & Roach on worm, caster and pellets. Steve Ringer claimed third place with 94 – 13 –0 on feeder pellet and hair rigged meat from Hay Pool peg 14. Steve also won the battle of the ex champions as four were drawn on adjacent pegs with Steve Ringer, Geoff Ringer, Steve Cooke and Steve Jackson all competing to take that qualifying place.
The lowest 10 peg Section winning weight was 48lbs 2ozs from this ever popular fishery.
Mick Turner, NFA Tournament Director stated, “The venue produced what was a brilliant match with everyone being in with a chance of winning as Woodlands is such an open venue. A big thank you must go to the venue staff who put on an excellent match.”
