Fish O'Mania final to be fished behind closed doors - will we see bumper weights?

SPECTATORS will not be allowed to be present at this year’s Fish O’Mania final following the Government’s decision to further limit crowd attendances at live sporting events.

The 2020 Fish O’ Mania final will be behind closed doors

It will be the first time in the competition’s 26-year history that the final will be fished without supporters, although the format for the match will remain unchanged – with 24 anglers still competing for the £50,000 first prize at Hayfield Lakes on Saturday, August 29.

Fish O’Mania NXTGEN (Next Generation) goes ahead as planned and eight young anglers will compete for a £2,500 winner’s cheque.

Losing the crowds is a double-edged sword, says the 2015 and 2017 Fish O’Mania winner, Jamie Hughes.

“I really feel for the new guys who won’t get to experience the amazing atmosphere I did,” he adds.

“The crowds make a huge difference and I’ve found the pressure from supporters encourages you to fish to the best of your ability. 

“The lack of noise and activity will improve the fishing, though, so we could see some huge weights.”

There will be no scenes like this a Fish O’ this year!