Anglers hoping $10,000 catch is blowin’ in the wind

This blue marlin caught by Richie Needham on the boat Too Keen yesterday will be in the running for the top prize in the Gisborne Hunting and Fishing Marlin and Tuna Hunttournament. The 157.8 kilogram fish was caught at Baistow’s, out past the Aerial Reef, on 37kg line. Stephen White (left) Needham, skipper Nick Greeks and Kieran Venema are pictured with the catch at weigh-in at the Gisborne-Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club. Picture supplied

Wind has been a factor in the first two days of the Gisborne Hunting and Fishing Marlin and Tuna Hunt tournament but some good catches have been made.

A Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club spokeswoman said sea conditions improved considerably yesterday morning after the wind made it “pretty hard going” on Thursday.

It was expected the wind would become a factor again yesterday afternoon.

The field for the four-day tournament — one of the major contests on the club’s calandar — features 97 boats and 331 anglers.

“We had five marlin caught, tagged and released on the opening day,” the spokeswoman said.

Up until midday yesterday four marlin had been landed and four more tagged and released.

“We also had a yellowfin tuna and a short-billed spear fish, or sail fish, landed.”

“Similar sea and weather conditions are expected for the final day tomorrow.”

Prizegiving starts at 6.30pm tomorrow in the clubrooms, where the major prize of $10,000 each will be handed out for the heaviest Marlin or Tuna.

A second prize of $10,000 will be awarded on a draw basis for the tagged and released fish.