England has a new coarse fishing champion after Worksop’s Sarah Challinor triumphed at the Angling Trust Women’s National Championship 2025, at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Cheshire.
Sarah, who works as a Customer Services Advisor at Bassetlaw District Council, not only earned the National Title, but also received a coveted invitation to compete in the FishOMania Grand Final on Saturday 19th July, making her the only female angler to qualify for the final.
Sarah’s team, the Westwood Wags, also claimed top honours in the team event with a combined weight of 214lbs 12oz.
The competition saw over 40 talented anglers take part at Partridge Lakes on Saturday 5th July, including reigning World Champion Samantha Sim. However, with an impressive haul of 98lbs 13oz of carp, Sarah secured the top spot, just edging ahead of second-place Emily Mather, who recorded 96lbs 3oz.
Originally introduced to fishing by her father, Sarah began her journey with the Worksop Juniors Club, run by Glyn Williams. After a break from the sport, she returned to competitive angling four years ago, starting at Aston Park Fisheries, who have been a constant support throughout her journey. One of her dreams is to represent Women’s England Team at the World Championships.
Sarah said: “I am so proud of what I achieved alongside my teammates. Fishing has always been a part of my life through my dad, and to be the only female angler in the final just shows that if you’re prepared to work hard and put in the effort, you can achieve anything you dream of.”
FishOMania, often described as the ‘FA Cup of Fishing’, is watched by over 250,000 people. The five-hour final sees 25 anglers compete for a £50,000 top prize, with places awarded to various champions and qualifiers, including the defending champion, Angling Trust Women’s National Champion, Angling Trust Junior winner, and two European representatives.
This year’s final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage starting at 11:30am from Westwood Lakes in Boston.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are incredibly proud of Sarah and her outstanding achievement. To win a national championship and secure a place in the FishOMania final, it's truly inspirational. Sarah is not only a dedicated member of our team at Bassetlaw District Council but now a fantastic ambassador for women in sport and for our local area.”
Follow Sarah’s journey of the FishOMania Grand Final on Facebook: Sarah Challinor Fishing
For more angling news and events, visit: Angling Trust
Pictured from left to right: Samantha Sim, Sarah Challinor, Emily Mather
Last Updated on Monday, July 14, 2025