Carters fishers reel in lines

After three days that brought thousands of fishing enthusiasts to Marsden Cove, Australasia's biggest five-fish, saltwater fishing tournament can only get bigger, organisers say.
More than 2000 anglers from throughout New Zealand and around the world were drawn to throw their lines in the annual Carters Beach and Boat competition which started last Thursday night and ran through to 5pm on Saturday.
Along with the glory of the catch, they were competing for a share of the $175,800 prize pool.
The coveted heaviest snapper prize was won by Miles Lawrie of Whangaparaoa, who pulled in a 10.9kg snapper on Saturday afternoon to win a Yamaha jetski worth $29,900.
Event co-owner Tony Wheeler said Mr Lawrie had claimed the secret of his success was time.
"He was out there for the whole period and just fished. He's just the neatest guy to win it."
Another big winner was Darren Kaiki, a Ruakaka local, who won the grand entry prize of a Ramco boat with a Yamaha motor and assorted fishing accessories worth $41,329.
Mr Kaiki had saved his money to enter the tournament, Mr Wheeler said.
"He's just the epitome of what I look for in the competition."
Mr Wheeler also paid credit to former event organiser Lisa Quann.
"This is just a continuation of the success that Lisa Quann organised and I certainly don't want to steal her thunder, and I think what she's done is amazing."
The event could go on to become the biggest saltwater fishing tournament in the world, with organisers and sponsors looking to make next year's event even bigger, Mr Wheeler said.
He said the event attracted about 450 sponsors who contributed prizes, facilities and manpower.