Sunshine and a gentle breeze greeted the 130 competitors for this, the 4th Fish ‘O’Mania qualifier of 2010 at Lakeview Fishery at Holwell, Leicestershire.
Under new ownership since October last year, the venue has undergone a number of changes, not least of which was a cleaning and re-stocking programme, still to be completed, which meant that it was an unknown quantity to the non-locals.
The word prior to the draw was that the fancied lake for the winning weight would be Serpent, as this had produced a 123lb winner last weekend with a number of good backup weights, but in general most felt that it would be a closely run match with so many anglers on the banks.
Once again, as last year, Lakeview didn’t disappoint as far as the closeness of the match was concerned, with only 9lb separating the top five individuals, but it produced a surprise winner from a lake that was completely unfancied.
4th Qualifier and match winner was Andy North, (Subfish) a sales manager from Armley, Leeds, who drew corner peg 11 on Stream and alternating long pole to the corner of the island and down the edge, feeding pellet with pellet hook bait, he amassed a weight of 68lbs 1ozs. The Armley Leeds based winner out fished and out thought is 129 rivals to pull off a thoroughly deserved and well earned victory. The 31 years old Heineken Sales Manager was still descending from the clouds the following day. His catch was made up of all carp with his biggest fish close to 3lb. For Andy it was a case of third time lucky as this was his third attempt of getting into the Grand Final; his previous best was a fourth placing at Lindholme Lakes.
In second place with a weight of 63lbs 3ozs was Lance Chambers, (Ringer Baits) a Lawyer from Nottingham. Drawn on fancied peg 23 on Serpent, he like Andy North fished across and down the edge catching carp to 3lb. Third place with a weight of 62lbs went to Carl Lee-Hopps, (Fox Match Tipton VDE), an electrician from Redditch on Oasis Pool 22. Fourth place went to Christian Glover (Willis Worms) with a weight of 60lbs 10ozs, with Robert Cooksey (Maver), with a weight of 59lbs 10ozs.
On Wednesday the Fish ‘O’ Mania action moves into Hadley, Worcestershire to Preston Innovations Woodlands View. The venue is fishing well at the moment offering large weights of carp, making it anyone’s guess who will be the next angler to book their place into the grand final.