Fantastic year for Maurice continues

The Doubtless Bay Light Line and Rod Fishing Club held its last competition for the year in conjunction with the traditional Christmas meal and get-together earlier this month.

The Ben Henare Trophy was eventually taken out by Peter Maurice with a 6.64kg snapper. Before going on to list the other significant results, club recorder Liz Virgo congratulated Maurice and noted he’d had a really fantastic year which included catching the heaviest snapper at 6.90kg in November.

“Your consistent efforts have really paid off, and you are also a great ambassador for the club by showing new members the wonderful fishing to be had in Doubtless Bay, good for you!”

Other notable placings in the event were, snapper: Gary Nears 5.26kg, 2, Rick Stacey 3.02kg, 3; and, kahawai: Bill ‘The Sicilian’ Dimento 2.80kg (Virgo noting this was a very creditable kahawai for recent times and a very likely contender for the annual trophy for best kahawai of the year).

Virgo went on to note the weather once again didn’t play ball, the inclement conditions which prevailed over the weekend in question preventing many from heading out to fish.

While she noted that was okay, with the emphasis the club placed on safety, Virgo also reminded members they don’t have to bring a fish for weigh-in to participate in events, before turning her attention to the aftermatch which attracted a great turnout.

“Thank you all who came, and for bringing the wonderful selection of food to share as always,” she said, reserving special praise to those who donated items for the Christmas hamper raffles.

The club now takes a break before running its next competition, an overnighter, on February 2 and 3.

“Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, have a great time, and be safe wherever you go.”