The 2024 FishOMania is just around the corner, returning once again to Westwood Lakes, Lincolnshire, on Saturday, July 27. To kickstart the excitement for this standout event, we present an exclusive profile of all 25 participating anglers, offering insights into their backgrounds.
Ben Townsend makes his FishOMania debut after coming first at the Makins Fishery qualifier in Warwickshire on May 22. He was followed by Nick Speed, the last angler to qualify in May at Hallcroft Fisheries, Nottingham. Jordan Holloway was the first to qualify in June, securing his spot at Weston Pools’ second qualifier in Shropshire on June 8. David Shires also earned his place in FishOMania 2024 by succeeding at the second Partridge Lakes competition on June 15. Returning to the competition is the 2021 champion, Harry Bignell, who won the second Westwood Lakes qualifier in Lincolnshire on June 19.
Meet the 2024 FishOMania Anglers:
Name: Ben Townsend
Age: 41
Place you first went fishing: Local village pond
Favourite place to go fishing: I just love being on the bank; it doesn’t matter where.
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Take a nice holiday and put the rest in the bank.
Favourite method: Any form of shallow fishing
First FishO memory (competing or watching): I think it was FishOMania 2—showing my age!
Bank runner name: Russell Grimes
Best FishO finish: This is my first.
Other sports you follow: Football
Name: Nick Speed
Age: 52
Place you first went fishing: Damflask Reservoir
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Put a deposit on a house for myself, Gill, and Darcie.
Favourite method: Feeder fishing on the River Trent for barbel
First FishO memory (competing or watching): Watching Ian Turner win the final at Mallory Park.
Bank runner name: Adam Richards
Best FishO finish: Qualifying in 2013
Other sports you follow: I love playing snooker with my dad, who’s 90 years old, and usually beats me.
Name: Jordan Holloway
Age: 25
Place you first went fishing: Little local lake
Favourite place to go fishing: Tunnel Barn Farm
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Put a deposit down on a house with my girlfriend
Favourite method: Margin fishing
First FishO memory (competing or watching): In 2019, being pegged next to Jamie Hughes and having a good head-to-head battle, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively
Bank runner name: Tom Scholey
Best FishO finish: 4th
Other sports you follow: Football and darts
Name: Dave Shires
Age: 45
Place you first went fishing: A small lake in Lowestoft with my dad, catching a perch and an eel
Favourite place to go fishing: Lindholme Lakes
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Book a holiday and put some money away for the children
Favourite method: Shallow fishing on the pole
First FishO memory (competing or watching): My old mate Steve Cooke many moons ago in the FishO final—he’s a legend.
Bank runner name: Ryan Lidguard
Best FishO finish: 6th place (2018)
Other sports you follow: Leeds United Football Club and Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club
Name: Harry Bignell
Age: 32
Place you first went fishing: Beverley Beck
Favourite place to go fishing: Sykehouse Fisheries
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Most likely put it in a savings account for my daughter
Favourite method: Pole shallow
First FishO memory (competing or watching): Seeing Jamie Hughes win it for the first time at Cudmore
Bank runner name: Chris Reilly
Best FishO finish: Winner (2021)
Other sports you follow: Football
Make sure you join us at Westwood Lakes, Boston on Saturday 27th July.
Tickets are priced at £7, with spectators able to purchase a discounted Group of 4 booking at £20.
There will be additional charges for parking (Cars priced at £7.00 and Vans at £10.00). Please note that parking must be booked in advance and can be purchased alongside your ticket.
Secure your ticket now for Angling’s greatest spectacle here!
