Plenty of hams to go round after finale fizzer
The final field day on the 90 Mile Beach Surfcasting Club’s 2018 programme earlier this month turned out to be a bit of a fizzer in one way with the 52 anglers who took part weighing in a total of eight fish: one snapper, two trevally and six kahawai.
The high note of the event on Sunday, December 2, was that it was doubled as the club’s annual season-ending Picnic Day, which saw hams given away as prizes to the top 10 placegetters as well as the haggle and raffle winners.
The only snapper caught came in at 4.28kg and won 1st prize for Dan Lloyd. Event spokesman Jack Rogers noted Lloyd had been consistently producing snapper this season “when the going gets tough”. Runner-up Ben Waaka weighed in the heaviest trevally at 2.68kg while 3rd place for heaviest kahawai went to Stephen Heka’s 2.23kg fish.
Other prizewinners were, Betty Whangapirita 1.39kg trevally 4 (4th), junior Mekhi Heka 1.95kg kahawai 5, Jo Arthur 1.44kg kahawai 6, Dave Hallett 1.17kg kahawai 7, and Jack Rogers 0.98kg kahawai 8. The 9th and 10th prize hams were done as lucky draws for those anglers who did not weigh in any fish and went to Izaac Coe and Logan Craig.
Elsewhere, the ham raffle was also won by Dan Lloyd who kindly donated it to his twin brother, Dave; while the haggle of a 1.95kg kahawai was taken out by junior angler Mekhi Heka for his 1.95kg kahawai (earning another ham). The club committee also organised a picnic luncheon of a spit roast, salads and dessert and the children were treated to an appearance by Santa Claus bearing gifts.
A very enjoyable social afternoon was had by all and on behalf of the club members, Rogers thanked the committee and the Rogers whanau at Waipapakauri Ramp for the great setting which has now become the club’s base.
The best anglers of the year were also acknowledged with Gareth McKenzie claiming the top honour after being named the new King of 90 Mile Beach with 5873 points (possibly the highest tally in club history) followed by Matt Becker with 5230 points and Dan Lloyd 3rd with 4598 points.
Other titles went to Keri Hokai, crowned Queen of 90 Mile Beach with 1291 points, with Jo Arthur runner-up on 1082 points and Ursula Williams third 677 points; Mekhi Heka Junior of 90 Mile Beach title with 1725 points, followed by Oscar Parlour 1416 points and brother Daithi 3rd with 1164 points.
The next field day representing the start of a new points/ fishing year will be a 24-hour overnighter on January 19 and 20. Fishing in the Rogers Motors and Riders Sports Field Day will be from 12 noon Saturday to 12 noon Sunday, and will feature mystery weight fish prize.
In the interim, the club committee wished all the members, their families and the various generous sponsors a very happy Christmas, and a safe and prosperous 2019.
“See you members on the 19th!”
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