First Midlands Carp Champs qualifier of the year at Kingsbury Water Park a ‘reel’ success
The qualifier of an exciting fishing competition took place at Kingsbury Water Park last weekend (10-12 May), with excellent catches throughout despite fish revving up to spawn due to warmer weather.
The Midlands Carp Champs have taken place since 2016 and grown in popularity ever since. Last weekend’s qualifier, the first of four in the 2024 season, saw sixteen skilled anglers in teams of two compete for a place in the final in September. Twenty-nine carp were caught in total, with a combined weight of 426lbs 15oz. The biggest catch was 24lbs 3ozs.
Competitors included both local anglers and anglers from across the country. Results for the four qualifying pairs were as follows:
1st Place - Peg 7 - Joseph Sallis and Andrew Roberts
Joseph Sallis and Andrew Roberts snagged the top spot with twelve fish, totalling 149lb 2oz. They stuck to their plan throughout and caught fish from all over their swim.
2nd Place - Peg 5 - Paul Ashford & Ricky Woodward
Paul Ashford and Ricky Woodward took second place with seven fish, weighing 118lb 9oz. They stayed cool under pressure and secured a solid finish.
3rd Place - Peg 6 - Wayne Stewart & Tony Ellwood
Wayne Stewart and Tony Ellwood landed in third with three fish, totalling 48lb 13oz. Despite a slow start, they rallied and showed great determination.
4th Place - Peg 4 - Simon Wheeler & Mark Sawyer
Simon Wheeler and Mark Sawyer clinched the final qualifying spot with two fish, weighing 35lb 14oz. Their consistent performance earned them a spot in the 2024 final.
The next qualifier will take place in July 2024. The Kingsbury Water Park team would like to say a huge thank you to Midlands Carp Champs organiser Lee Hughes for putting on such a fantastic event.
To find out more about upcoming competitions, follow Midlands Carp Champs on Facebook.
