WADE ON WATER with Richard Wade
THE MUCH-AWAITED Lychomania final was fished on Bank Holiday Monday and looks set to become the most prestigious event in the area, as 41 qualifiers battled it out at Lychgate Fisheries for part of the massive prize money on offer.
Leading the way was Steve Smith who pole fished pellet to catch 48lb 3oz of mainly carp to become the first ever Lychomania winner.
Mark Sidwell took the runners up spot with a 37lb 15oz catch. Dan Eaton finished third with 31lb 7oz with Suzi Smith taking fourth place with a 29lb 10oz catch.
Paul Bates took the prize for the biggest fish with a 11lb 6oz carp.
The second round of the summer series at Higham Lane Fishery was won by Andy Findley. Andy caught on a pellet feeder for most of the match, before switching to the pole towards the end, finishing with a 82lb 11oz catch. Jim Spradbury came second with 52lb 9oz while Dave Hurlston took third spot with 48lb 7oz.
Pete Billington topped last week’s Hinckley Angling Club’s Silver Fish match at Barwell Lane Fishery. Pete had a mixed catch, switching between pole and feeder tactics for a winning 13lb 10oz catch, boosted by a 4lb bream.
Wednesday’s open match at Lychgate Fishery was won by Paul Bates who became the first angler to qualify for next year’s Lychomania final. Paul pole fished maggot for a mixed catch that included perch, bream, carp, roach, rudd and even a gudgeon, for a final weight of 18lb 2oz. Terry Sanderson fished a pellet feeder to take second place with 13lb 14oz while Suzi Smith came third with 12lb 15oz.
A 7lb 12oz carp hooked just as the whistle to end Brookfield Wednesday Open sounded just about gave Ray Lewis the honours. Ray had already landed 12 carp and this final fish gave him a winning 43lb catch. Runner-up Ray Linards finished with 36lb 10oz with Dave Sutton in third place with 17lb 4oz.
Wednesday night’s Higham Lane Open was a hard affair as the weather turned cold. Dean Hughes needing just 32lb 5oz to win. Kev Milne came second with 27lb with Hinckley tackle dealer Dominic Carino finishing third with a 26lb 2oz catch. Catches were better in the Thursday Open as Paul Cook took the honours with 52lb 10oz. Dave Hurlston finished second with 46lb 8oz. Kev Winfield came third with 40lb 6oz.
Steve Smith won the Sunday Open, finishing well clear with a 49lb 8oz catch. Suzi Smith came second with 21lb 2oz with Guy Hope taking third place with a 20lb 10oz catch. In Saturday’s Open match Mark Sidwells took the honours, landing 31lb 10oz. The in form Steve Smith finished second with 16lb 14oz with Albert Bray taking third place with 16lb 11oz.
Terry Sanderson won Mill on the Soar’s Tuesday Open match with a 68lb 7oz catch of carp on bomb and pellet tactics. Tom Watt came second with 66lb 13oz with Paul Cayless taking third place with a 37lb 15oz catch.
At Hinckley Angling Club’s Silver Fish Open match, Mike Samuels drew one of the few “shaded” pegs and needed just 6lb 4oz of small fish to win. Freddy Walker still managed to catch a level 5lb of mainly roach to take second place, while Rob Bream came third with a 4lb catch.
At Sunday’s Brookfield Open match. Ian Shirley managed to tempt five carp on bread to win with a 18lb 10oz catch. Stu Campton had a level 15lb catch for second place with Ray Lewis finishing third with 7lb 5oz.
Higham Lane Fishery has an open match every Wednesday evening draw 5.30pm, and Thursdays, draw 9am.
Lychgate Fisheries have open matches/Lychomania qualifers every Saturday, draw 9am, and on Sunday, check draw time. Hinckley Angling Club have their final Silver Fish Open match of the series at Barwell Lane Fishery this Sunday. Places must be booked by calling Andy on 07917 666593. Gate opens at 8am, draw at 9am. Brookfield have an open match every Sunday at Stoke Golding. Draw 9am. Mill on the Soar have an open match every Tuesday, draw 8.30am.