On Sunday, 12th April 2026, the fourth FishOMania qualifier of the 2026 campaign took place at Decoy Lakes, where Chris Barley made the most of a prime draw to secure his place in this year’s Grand Final.
Cold winds and low overnight temperatures once again made conditions difficult. However, Chris was able to take full advantage of his peg and convert it into a winning performance. Drawn on the noted peg 6 on Lou’s Lake, he produced a match-winning 127lb 10oz of carp and F1s. His approach centred around fishing the method feeder tight to the far bank reeds, while also picking up key fish down the margins on pellets later in the session. This balanced tactic allowed him to keep his weight building throughout the day, despite the challenging conditions across the venue.
Behind him, Jordan Webster secured second place with 102lb from peg 27 on Willows Lake. Positioned out of the worst of the wind, he put together his catch on the pole, targeting carp and F1s. Third place went to Steve Butler, who weighed in 94lb 8oz from peg 20 on the same lake. A strong final hour down the margins proved decisive in pushing him into the top three.
This result sees Chris Barley join the growing list of qualifiers heading to the FishOMania Grand Final, as the 2026 campaign continues to gather momentum.
FishOMania 2026 Finalists
- Brad Lucas (2025 FishOMania Winner)
- Matt Redman
- Jake Fowles
- Jake Dye
- Chris Barley
Decoy Lakes Produces Another Qualifier Test
Decoy Lakes is well known for its prolific carp stocks and regular appearances on the FishOMania schedule. However, like many venues, it can become far more technical when temperatures drop, and wind becomes a factor.
This qualifier highlighted the importance of both drawing well and decision-making. While Lou’s Lake peg 6 has a strong reputation, it still requires careful execution to maximise its potential. Chris’ ability to switch between long-range feeder work and margin fishing proved key to building a winning weight.
Double-Header Weekend Ahead
Attention now turns to a busy weekend of action, with a double header scheduled. The next qualifiers will take place at Old Hough Fishery on Saturday, 18th April, before the competition moves on to Partridge Lakes on Sunday, 19th April.
Spectator tickets for the 2026 FishOMania Grand Final are still available.
- Entry: £7.00 per person
- Group of 4: £20.00
- A service fee and £2.95 booking fee per order apply
- Parking: £7.00 per car / £10.00 per van (available when booking)
Head over to the FishOMania website to get your tickets now.