Kahawai elude contest entrants
Tough conditions for anglers but great for kite surfers
Anglers would be hard pressed to boast of their big kahawai catch at the annual Crighton ITM surfcasting competition at Waiterere Beach on Sunday, January 24.
None were hooked on the 145 rods lining the beach for nine hours.
The top prize of $1000 put up by Crighton ITM in Levin for the largest kahawai went unclaimed.
The sun was out most of the day but winds were gusty and the surf was high, making casting challenging.
But that did not put off the friends and families trying their luck for the top prize.
There was a free sausage sizzle and many brought their own barbecues, including one enterprising family who cooked roast lamb for their Sunday lunch on the beach.
Many anglers just resigned themselves to enjoying a day on the beach.
Waiterere Beach Family Fishing Club Committee member Graeme Wilton said they were very tough conditions to fish in, and although other species of fish were hooked, no kahawai were caught.
“Last year 20-30 were caught so this year was a bit of a surprise.
“We will still be giving away spot prizes though so everyone at Club Waiterere for prizegiving will be in with a chance.”
Prizes awarded included 10 $100 notes, six $50 notes for adults and five for juniors.
More than 100 people were at the prizegiving and some were lucky to get spot prizes from the $4000 prize pool donated by Crighton ITM, Brent Boddy Prestige, Hunting and Fishing and many other local businesses.
Although conditions were difficult for anglers, kite surfers were out in force along the coast, enjoying the 30km/h wind gusts.
Club president Blair Fitzgibbon said as the adult prize of $1000 for the heaviest kahawai wasn’t struck, the club put up 10 prizes of $100 and six of $50 for adults, and five prizes of $50 for the juniors, drawn from rod tickets placed in the buckets at prizegiving.
All tickets in attendance were eligible to win.
“It just showed that the Kahawai were not in close enough on the day,” he said.
Fitzgibbon said despite no fish being caught, it was still an amazing event and he was thrilled with the turnout, with 20 juniors and 125 adult rods lined up on the beach.
“It was an amazing sight,” he said.
Fitzgibbon said it was truly a family occasion with young and old trying their luck in the testing conditions with the wind a constant factor.
He said family and friends got together from as far as the South Island and Hawke’s Bay entered.
The Crighton ITM barbecue trailer handed out free sausages to everyone on the beach supplied by Haddon
Preston Rural Meat Packers Levin.
“For only $25 entry fee, it was a fantastic day out,” he said.
At the prizegiving, held at Club Waitarere with over 100 in attendance, there were also a large amount of spot prizes given away courtesy of sponsors Brent Boddy Prestige, Graeme Wilton Builder, Crighton ITM and other local businesses, totalling $4000, including three earlybird prizes of $200.
Participants were thrilled with the competition and all said they would be back again next year.
“We are a small local community club, but with the support of our generous sponsors and amazing volunteers, this is a fabulous family event that involves everyone.
“The beach is a great place to be,” he said.
“We look forward to another fantastic competition next year and if you want to get involved with the club you can find us on Facebook — Waitarere Beach Family Fishing Club or email fishingclub waitarere@gmail.com for membership details.”
The club holds competitions throughout the year, including fish of the month, and welcomes new members. i