The much anticipated final of the 2008 Wales Carp Masters took place at the Celtic Lakes Resort over the weekend of August 29 to 31 when 12 pairs of anglers qualified for the final from six heats which took place over a period of three months.
The top three pairs were Lee Botchett and James Willatts (Peg 7) with 92lbs 2oz; Justin Hooper and John Kurle (Team Mega Baits A) (Peg 12) with 85lbs 8oz; and Paul Hatton and Ian Carter (Team Sunbeam) (Peg 10) with 82lbs 1oz.
For virtually the first time in this year's Wales Carp Masters the sun made a welcome appearance for the final weekend. With the stunning Elysium Specimen Lake at Celtic Lakes Resort bathed in sunshine, the 12 pairs of carp anglers had only one thought in mind - to be crowned Wales Carp Masters Champions for 2008.
Six qualifying heats had taken place at Celtic Lakes Resort with the top two placed pairs from each heat winning through to the final.
After a close battle it was Lee Botchett and James Willatts who took the title and the £10,000 worth of tackle vouchers first prize with 92lbs 2oz. With only an hour to go there was only 10lbs of fish separating the first four teams which lead to an interesting and frantic last hour of fishing. Despite this they held on to be crowned Wales Carp Masters Champions for 2008.
In second place were Team A from Mega Baits, Justin Hooper and John Kurle, who recorded a weight of 85lbs 8oz from peg 12. Their excellent finish was slightly disappointing as they hooked a fish just before the hooter sounded, only to lose it minutes later. The £5,000 worth of tackle vouchers for second place should ease their pain.
Only 3lbs behind in third place were Paul Hatton and Ian Carter representing Team Sunbeam who finished on 82lbs 10oz on peg 10. They walked away with £3,000 of tackle vouchers.
This year's event was sponsored by Pure Fishing who provided the main prizes with additional items of tackle and bait being provided by Crafty Carper, Carpworld and Sticky Baits.
Celtic Lakes owner John Carney, who headed the 2008 Wales Carp Masters team, said: "Once again the Wales Carp Masters has proved a huge success as an angling competition in its own right but also in helping to promote fishing and tourism in Wales. We are already in discussions with sponsors and venues for next year's event and would love to hear from any business who would like to participate as a sponsor or as a qualifying venue".
Celtic Lakes Resort
