Snap up cruise prize
Six kilograms of snapper could land one lucky angler a cruise holiday courtesy of Plimmerton Boating Club’s fishing and diving competition next week.
Top prize at the twoday event, given for the biggest snapper caught, is a five-night cruise to either Fiordland or Stewart Island.
Last year’s heaviest snapper was 6kg, landed by boating club member Trevor Freeman.
More than 200 fishers and divers are expected to compete on Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25.
Plenty of prizes are on offer, from reels and rods to wetsuits and spearguns.
‘‘ The whole family can come – the junior prizes are brilliant – and have a blast,’’ Mr Freeman says.
Any sort of vessel can be entered, from powerboats through to dinghies and kayaks, as long as the boat passes a safety inspection and carries an ultra high frequency radio. People can also fish off the shore.
Boats are given a full valet service by club members, with trailers backing in and out of the water all day, Mr Freeman says.
The competition began 20 years ago as a shark hunt, but it was quickly turned into a general fishing competition to appeal to women and families, he says.
Competitors come from as far away as Hawke’s Bay and New Plymouth, club vicecommodore and competition organiser Jon Mayne says.
The club is encouraging entrants to register before the event, and further spot prizes will be given at a meeting on the Friday night before the competition.
All prizes, except the cruise, will be distributed to entrants if the weather packs in and fishing is off the cards.
‘‘ Even if the weather’s looking bad, the prizes still go,’’ Mr Mayne says.
A fish and crayfish auction will be held at 5.30pm both days, with the proceeds going towards training programmes on the club’s rescue boat, Mr Mayne says.
‘‘It’ll be the cheapest place in town to buy fish, and it’s the freshest fish in town.’’
Fishing and diving competition at Plimmerton Boating Club, March 24 and 25, 7am till 5pm. Register ahead of time at plimmertonboating club.org.nz or 233 1592. Cost is $50 per entry, $100 for a family.