The 2025 FishOMania is just around the corner, returning once again to Westwood Lakes, Lincolnshire, on Saturday, July 19. To kickstart the excitement for this standout event, we present an exclusive profile of all 25 participating anglers, offering insights into their backgrounds.
The three-time Fisho Champion, Jamie Hughes returns after securing his spot after qualifying at Springvale on May 7. Dale Shepherd was the next to make it through, after topping the Oak Lakes qualifier on May 10, followed by Gary Thomas, who secured his spot at Weston Pools 1 qualifier on May 14. Ben Lord and Daniel Squire make their FishOMania debut after their successes at Makins fishery on May 21 and Gold Valley Lakes on May 31, respectively.
Meet the 2025 FishOMania Anglers:
Full name: Jamie Hughes
Age: 43
The first place you ever went fishing: Local pond
Your favourite place to fish: Hayfield Lakes
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Holiday to Disneyland in Florida
Favourite fishing method: Pellets on the pole
Your first FishOMania memory (as a competitor or a viewer): Watching Niel Machin win in 2007
Bank runner’s name: Rich Chapman
Best FishOMania finish to date: Three-time FishOMania Champion
Full name: Dale Shepherd
Age: 36
The first place you ever went fishing: sea
Your favourite place to fish: Lindholme
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: kids
Favourite fishing method: carp shallow
Your first FishOMania memory (as a competitor or a viewer): 2015, the first time I qualified
Bank runner’s name: TBC
Best FishOMania finish to date: 6th
Full name: Gary Thomas
Age: 43
The first place you ever went fishing: Bradshaw Hall Fisheries
Your favourite place to fish: Weston Pools
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Pay a chunk of the mortgage and have a nice holiday
Favourite fishing method: Maggot/Pellet short
Your first FishOMania memory (as a competitor or a viewer): As a viewer I’ve always liked watching it on Sky, I’ve always joked with the wife, one day I’ll be there
Bank runner’s name: Martin Leach
Best FishOMania finish to date: This is only my 2nd attempt, both at Weston pools and both on Weir Lake.
Full name: Ben Lord
Age: 35
The first place you ever went fishing: White Acres
Your favourite place to fish: The Glebe
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Book a family holiday
Favourite fishing method: Fishing shallow for carp
Your first FishOMania memory (as a competitor or a viewer): This will be my first final I’ve played in
Bank runner’s name: Ivan Lord
Best FishOMania finish to date: This will be my first time
Full name: Daniel Squire
Age: 35
The first place you ever went fishing: Viaduct Fishery
Your favourite place to fish: Anywhere with big fish
What would you do with the £50,000 if you won?: Be boring and save it.
Favourite fishing method: Long pole shallow
Your first FishOMania memory (as a competitor or a viewer): Watching Steve Jackson win FishOMania
Bank runner’s name: Steven Chant
Best FishOMania finish to date: Unsure two bad finals hopefully 3rd time lucky
