A CHAMPION fish proved elusive for Hastings surfcaster James Benge (pictured) at the 18th Hawke's Bay Today Kahawai Surfcasting Contest yesterday. Drizzle and weed dashed hopes of a record catch for the 423 surfcasters who took part in the competition at Whirinaki Beach. Mr Benge, who learnt to fish aged 7in Queensland, said the conditions were abysmal: ``I caught nothing, but that's fishing.' The 27-year-old hoped for better luck on his next fishing trip to Flax Beach near Mahia. Organiser Tania Torwick said the large amount of weed and 1m swells conspired against surfcasters, who caught just 13 fish on the day. Simon Coe won the first prize of $1000 cash with his 1.98kg catch. Aaron Duncan came in second with his 1.95kg catch and third place went to Mrs Torwick's husband Duncan for his 1.91kg catch. Nicola Mulvay, 11, won the junior section.
