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.
Three-time FishOMania runner-up Andy Power secured his spot by qualifying at Monk Lakes, Kent, on June 22. He was followed by Kristian Jones, who qualified at Lindholme Lakes, Yorkshire, on June 26. Pemb Wrighting emerged victorious at the Gold Valley qualifier in Hampshire on June 29, while Jimmy Brooks secured his place at Tunnel Barn Farm Fishery, Warwickshire, on July 10. The final angler to qualify this year was Dale Shepherd, who took first place at Marston Fields Fishery, West Midlands, on July 13.
Meet the 2024 FishOMania Anglers:
Name: Andy Power
Age: 36
Place you first went fishing: North Devon
Favourite place to go fishing: The sea
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Buy a new van
Favourite method: Waggler fishing
First FishO memory (competing or watching): Watching at home as a kid, thinking that looks easy!
Bank Runner name: Neil McKinnon
Best FishO finish: Three-time runner-up
Name: Kristian Jones
Age: 25
Place you first went fishing: Local pond in Ellesmere Port, catching Crucians and Tench
Favourite place to go fishing: Weston Pools
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Go on a holiday to Thailand for fishing and give some to Kieran Marsden, who’s normally my bank runner but is fishing the final as well this year
Favourite method: Shallow fishing
First FishO memory (competing or watching): Watching Shane Atkin win at Cudmore in 2011
Bank Runner name: Alan Falzon
Best FishO finish: Winner in 2022
Other sports you follow: Football (Liverpool FC) and darts
Name: Pemb Wrighting
Age: 39
Place you first went fishing: Local farm pond
Favourite place to go fishing: I enjoy a variety of venues
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Pay off the mortgage
Favourite method: Margin fishing
First FishO memory (competing or watching): When Geoff Ringer won
Bank Runner name: Will Raison
Best FishO finish: 4th
Other sports you follow: None, but enjoy watching bass fishing
Name: Jimmy Brooks
Age: 31
Place you first went fishing: Belhus Park, Essex
Favourite place to go fishing: Tunnel Barn Farm, Birmingham
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Put some towards getting married and treat my friends and family
Favourite method: Mugging
First FishO memory (competing or watching): Watching Steve Ringer win FishO
Bank Runner name: Matt Wiles
Best FishO finish: 6th in 2022
Other sports you follow: Football and boxing
Stay tuned for the last five profiles of the anglers competing in FishOMania 2024!
