Carp-e diem moment for Cox

Fish 'O' Mania: Second success

England international Darren Cox became the second angler to qualify for the 2008 PartyPoker.com Fish 'O' Mania final after triumphing at Witherington Farm Lakes in Wiltshire.

Darren, who has fished for England six times, reached his third Fish 'O' Final after overcoming some tough conditions. Severe winds, heavy rain and hail showers meant that catches were always going to be affected but the classy angler managed 19 carp to 8lbs for a winning weight of 79-0-0.

The Garbolino man was confident after drawing peg 47 on Outer Snake Lake, and had another boost when he found the peg next door vacant, which gave him the chance to draw the extra fish into his own swim.

And after fishing corn over pellet at 16m, Darren admitted he was thrilled by the win - and the prospect of joining last week's winner, Dave Swain, at Browing Cudmore in July.

"I'm really looking forward to fishing my third Fish 'O' Mania final and excited that it will be a new venue this year," said Darren.

"It will be hard to know how it will fish on the day and everybody will be in the same boat in July. There will be no advantage to anyone, but I am sure it will be a fantastic day and there is always a fantastic buzz at the Fish 'O' Mania final."

In second place was Pete Bailey from Worcester, who fished pole at 13 metres and waggler to the island at peg 9 on Cottage Lake. Pete fished using corn and pellet to take carp to 8lb and skimmers for a final weight of 62lbs 5ozs.

Third placed angler was Somerton-based Ray Hayward with 59lbs 10ozs using pellet on pole and waggler. Fishing from peg 8 on Sellwood Lake, Ray, who fishes for Sensas Viaduct, made up most of his weight from carp, tench and bream.

Nick Roberts of Rod 'n' Reel was fourth with 56lbs 6ozs, while builder Paul Blinkhorn from Irlam and Trafford Angling angler made up the top five with 52lbs 13ozs.