First prize goes to the The Amazing ladies off Miss Teak - (from left) Maureen Swan, Sonya Beazley, Thelma Lewis and Michelle. Photo / Supplied
First prize goes to the The Amazing ladies off Miss Teak - (from left) Maureen Swan, Sonya Beazley, Thelma Lewis and Michelle. Photo / Supplied
What happens when you get 130 women across 50 teams, 170 fish, rubbish weather, booze-a-plenty and some of the best fishing knowledge in the country all in one place for a couple of days?
Lols. Lots of lols. That's what you get. And a hangover!
I was lucky enough to MC the prizegiving for the Bridgeman Concrete 'Fish N Chicks' Tournament put on by Tauranga Sport Fishing Club (TSFC) last weekend.
2nd prize to Jess Milnes off Black Label. Photo / Supplied
The fishing was all inner harbour based. Usually they'd be out having a crack at the big game, but cheers to Mother Nature/global warming providing 2 metre swells out past the entrance, it was best to stay in the shallower stuff and be able to stand and drink while holding a rod comfortably.
If I could just pop back to the gender roles post WWII for a sec; most of these women are much more of a man than I'll ever be. They're out there reeling 'em in and I'm back on shore giggling 'like a girl' at the weigh station as they're bringing their catch through! I didn't even break a sweat, let alone a nail. Part of the tournament is a 'best photo' comp. The winner of which gets a rose coloured iPhone 8, no less.
I had the pleasure of being one of the judges of this competition.
In third place were a couple of girls who caught bugger all but wanted to have a bit of fun so fished from some lifesaver orange rings in the water. Second place was just the most photogenic fish and angler, Mount in the background, 'front of a fishing mag' pic for sure!
So why didn't it win? Well, as amazing as it is, the four ladies at the weigh station, of varying ages, with different fish all with massive grins on their faces and clearly just having a hoot of a time really personified what this kind of competition is all about.
3rd prize Chloe Stirling and friend off Mexican Wave. Photo / Supplied
Funnily enough I think they'd all had a few before that pic was taken.
All the competitors and their supporters had a few indeed during the after party at the club. Many of them were in fancy dress too.
I still stand strong on my stance of: women, in a large group, letting their hair down, are at least three times as rowdy and packed with debauchery than when men do the same thing. Which is exactly why I'll be back there next year!
• Will Johnston is the local 9am-3pm host for The Hits Bay of Plenty 95FM. He's also a celebrant and MC
