The Houhora One Base celebrates its 21st anniversary this year with the annual major big gamefishing tournament set to run from Wednesday to Saturday, March 18-21 (the week after the Snapper Bonanza wraps up).
In her preview of the event, Houhora Big Game and Sports Fishing Club spokesperson Debbie Bunn noted Houhora has long been known as the gateway to some of the best fishing waters in New Zealand.
Noting anglers in the iconic four-day tournament will be allowed to launch from west or east coast boat ramps anywhere from Whangaroa around to Herekino, Bunn added the consecutive two-night stayaway stage will be attractive for boats wishing to fish the Three Kings area, which is otherwise out of bounds during the rest of the competition.
"If the weather is agreeable, fishing for broadbill will be an attractive option for some crews on both coasts," she said, noting local anglers have already proven the gamefish were in the area.
Again the event offers a lucrative prize pool, including the top prize of $10,000 for the heaviest striped marlin, while the heaviest billfish angler can look forward to being presented with a Simrad package valued at $3500 while the heaviest snapper prize is worth $1000 cash. There are also prizes in tag and release (T&R) billfish and shark, heaviest tuna and kingfish categories, and a number of sought-after lucky draw prizes, including a six-night stay in Rarotonga.
