Yesterday, The Oaks Lakes at Sessay hosted the latest FishOMania qualifier, where Kristian Jones secured his place in this year’s Grand Final following one of the closest finishes of the season. The former FishOMania champion emerged victorious by just 2oz after a dramatic weigh-in, with only a single bite separating the top two anglers after five hours of competition.

Drawn on peg 18 on Beech Lake, Kristian weighed 104lb 14oz to claim the coveted qualification spot. After a slow start fishing several lines, he eventually found success by targeting carp down the margins on meat during the final hour of the match.

James Howarth pushed him all the way from corner peg 15 on Sycamore Lake. Fishing meat and pellets long along the end bank, he assembled a quality net of carp and finished agonisingly short of qualification with 104lb 12oz. Third place went to Jamie Cowling, who weighed 98lb 11oz from peg 24 on Beech Lake. He finished just one carp behind the leading pair in another tightly contested qualifier.

Kristian’s latest qualification marks a return to the FishOMania Grand Final for one of the competition’s most recognisable names. Having lifted the title in 2022, he knows exactly what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage in match fishing. His victory at The Oaks Lakes demonstrated both patience and experience. After a difficult start, he adapted his approach and capitalised on a productive final hour to secure the crucial extra fish that ultimately made the difference.

The Oaks Lakes has long been regarded as one of the country’s premier commercial fisheries and once again delivered a highly competitive qualifier, with the top three anglers separated by little more than a single fish.

FishOMania 2026 Finalists

• Brad Lucas (2025 FishOMania Winner)
• Matt Redman
• Jake Fowles
• Jake Dye
• Chris Barley
• Jamie Hughes
• Harry Campbell
• Chris Reilly
• James Fuller
• Steve Openshaw
• Art Hilmi
• Kristian Jones

Qualifying action resumes on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, at Old Hough Fishery, with another full field set to compete for a place in this year’s Grand Final.

Spectator tickets for the 2026 FishOMania Grand Final at Westwood Lakes on Saturday, 18th July 2026, 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.