FORMER European super-bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver was the winner at the PDC’s charity fishing day for Haven House in Hertfordshire on Friday.
Oliver’s total catch of 19lb 12oz saw him beat off competition from PDC director Bob Scott and fellow former boxer Glenn McCrory who finished in second and third places respectively.
“It’s incredible and it’s blown me away really,” said Oliver.
“I’m not really too clued up on fishing so to come here and beat all these people is ridiculous but it feels great!
“I caught a five-pounder really early on and found out I was in third or fourth place, and then at about half past two a 14-pound carp came on the line! It took me about half an hour to get in and I nearly lost it a couple of times but fortunately I got it in and victory is sweet!”
Oliver beat off competition from a strong field including the likes of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and 2013 champion Darren Webster to take the £1000 winner’s cheque at Shepherds Way Lake.
The event, now in its second year, pits twenty competitors against each other over a five hour period, with all proceeds being raised for Haven House Children’s Hospice, the PDC’s Official Charity.
PDC chairman Barry Hearn was another member of the field and was delighted with the event’s success despite not enjoying a productive day on the lake himself.
“This is a special fishing day so thanks to Jess Harding, all the sponsors and everyone who has helped out around this special lake, they’ve done a fantastic job," said Hearn.
“I really enjoyed my five hours of catching absolutely nothing, but it’s not been all bad as I’ve got a nice sun tan sitting on the bank watching Spencer Oliver knock out big one after big one.
“It was a brilliant day, I can’t wait for next year and to come back and do it all over again!”
Coverage of the event is due to be shown on Sky Sports’ weekly fishing show ‘Tight Lines’ soon.
View action and reaction from the event on our YouTube page HERE.