Steve Openshaw booked yet another place in the FishOMania Grand Final with a dominant display in the fifth qualifier of the year. The match was held on Saturday, 4th May at Old Hough Fishery near Middlewich, Cheshire. As always, it attracted a field packed with seasoned match anglers, all chasing a golden ticket to the big final. Decent weights came from several different pools, with over 100lb needed for a top-three finish. Openshaw, however, was in a class of his own.
He drew peg 4 on Prospect Lake and made it count. Carp came steadily throughout the day, and he finished with a superb 177lb 14oz. It was more than enough to take the win. FishOMania clearly brings out the best in the Lingmere Fisheries boss. This latest qualifier victory adds to his already impressive record in the event.
Young Brad Lucas continued his consistent form, finishing second overall. He weighed 116lb 4oz from peg 17 on Boulders Pool. Third place went to Anthony Adams with 103lb 2oz from Upper Benbo. Jamie Hughes was just outside the top three. He finished fourth with 98lb 7oz from peg 9 on Boulders, meaning his wait for another FishOMania appearance continues.
Congratulations to Steve Openshaw for cementing his return to the FishOMania Grand Final. He joins a growing list of qualifiers who will battle it out for the coveted FishOMania trophy and the £50,000 top prize at Westwood Lakes in July.
List of FishOMania 25 Finalists to Date
- Dave Shires (2024 FishOMania Winner)
- Andy Power
- James Howarth
- Kristian Jones
- Joost Vos (international Qualifier)
- George Reynolds
- Steve Openshaw
Anglers won’t have long to wait for the next opportunity to qualify. The sixth FishOMania qualifier takes place tomorrow, Wednesday 7th May, at Springvale Fishing Lakes in Newark. With all 100 tickets sold for the venue’s FishO debut, it promises to be a hotly contested affair.
This year’s FishOMania Grand Final is on Saturday, 19th July at Westwood Lakes in Boston. Spectator tickets are already available for purchase. Tickets cost £7.00 per person, while a group booking for 4 people costs £20.00. A service fee and £2.95 booking fee per order also apply. Car parking tickets are available for an additional fee when booking. Parking will cost £7.00 per car and £10.00 per van.
Head over to the FishOMania website to get your tickets now.