It Took Over 200lb to Lift the Fish ‘O’ Mania Trophy

On a day when weights were expected to be less than 100lb, Stoke on Trent matchman Neil Machin hoisted over 200lb onto the scales to win the final of the thirteenth annual Fish ‘O’ Mania at Hayfield Lakes, Auckley, Doncaster on Saturday.

Neil Machin receives the trophy
Neil Machin receives the trophy

Sixteen finalists battled it out for a £ 25,000 winner-takes-all prize in a five hour match fished under NFA Match Rules, but it was Neil, a 7:1 favourite, who took the honours with a catch of carp weighing 98.69kg (217lb).

Jon Arthur took the biggest fish with a double that weighed 5.72kg (12.5lb).

Claire Dagnall won the ladies match with 32.45kg (71lb).

And the junior champion was Matthew Gibbs who weighed in with 18.29kg (40lb)