Earlier today, Springvale Fisheries hosted the 9th FishOMania qualifier, where Steve Openshaw secured his place in this year’s Grand Final following a closely contested match at the Nottinghamshire venue.

After finishing runner-up in the 2025 FishOMania Grand Final, the Lingmere Fishery owner will now have another opportunity to challenge for the title after producing the winning performance at Springvale. Drawn on peg 36 on Newcastle Lake, Steve weighed 187lb 6oz to finish just over 10lb ahead of the chasing pack. Fishing a Method feeder with a banded pellet tight to the island in difficult windy conditions, he caught carp to 6lb along with around 20lb of silverfish to secure qualification.

Preston Innovations star Andy Power claimed second place with 176lb 3oz from peg 30 on Golden 2 Lake. More than half of his catch consisted of silverfish, supplemented by several carp taken on pole tactics throughout the match. Ted Wheeler completed the top three with 175lb 5oz from peg 28, finishing only narrowly behind Andy in another tightly fought battle for the leading positions.

Steve’s qualification adds another major contender to the 2026 FishOMania field. One of the sport’s most consistent performers, he came agonisingly close to lifting the title in 2025 before finishing second behind Brad Lucas at Westwood Lakes. His success at Springvale continues an impressive record in major commercial fishery events and ensures he will head back to Westwood Lakes this July among the favourites for the £50,000 first prize.

Springvale Fisheries once again lived up to its reputation for producing excellent weights, despite strong winds making conditions difficult for competitors throughout the day.

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

Attention now turns to Weston Pools, where 100 anglers will compete in the next FishOMania qualifier on Saturday, 9th May 2026, with another coveted Grand Final ticket up for grabs.

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.