Rough seas have Day 1 say in record 40th Bay Bonanza

Anglers involved in the Bay Bonanza contest were hoping to hook a fish like this as they hit the water this morning for Day 2 of the competition, weather depending. This 87.2-kilogram big-eye tuna was caught by young Matthew Moore off the boat Scrap Metal earlier in the month. Day 1 of the 40th anniversary Bay Bonanza was cancelled due to sea conditions. The tournament culminates in what has become the traditional Lucky Angler draw — this year worth $40,000 to the winner. Picture supplied

Day 1 of the annual Bay Bonanza fishing competition was cancelled yesterday but Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club president Roger Faber said fishing conditions look much better for day two today.

The 40th annual event primarily sponsored by the Enterprise Motor Group and Autosure NZ has attracted a record entry of 600 anglers and 160 boats.

The opening day was called off because of rough southerly sea conditions.

“With the forecast for the wind to move around to the north today, things look much better for us,” Mr Faber said.

“We should get two good days of fishing in today and tomorrow.”

Mr Faber said the club was thrilled with the size of the entry in the 40th year of the contest.

“We got so many we had to print off extra entry forms.”

The Lucky Angler draw prize has been increased from $30,000 to $40,000 this year out of an overall prize funding pool of $80,000.

Fishing off the Coast has been “exceptional” in recent times, previously described as “the best in New Zealand” at this point of the season.

The prizegiving for the contest will commence at 6.30pm tomorrow in the clubrooms.