A significant number of marlin and yellowfin tuna were either bought to the weigh station and or tagged and released during the 2015 Hihi Marlin Classic.
The three-day event was held in perfect weather conditions from February 19-21 and organised by Keith and Leanne Kelley of the Hihi Holiday Camp in Doubtless Bay. The total of four blue marlin, three striped marlin and six tuna were weighed in, along with a good number of hook-ups reported by the 30 trailer boats taking part, was described by the organisers as "another great result". Daily highlights from the event were as follows.
Day one produced a 33.35kg yellowfin tuna caught by Justin Berry on Insalt, a T&R (tagged and released) mako shark by Andrew Lindsay on Mal 7, a T&R striped marlin by Mark Munro on 3ft6, a 188.7kg blue marlin on 37kg line by Greg Jones also on 3ft6, and a 8.15kg mahi mahi by Chuck Gray on Foul Play.
The second day saw a total of three fish weighed in, a 103.3kg striped marlin on 24kg line by Rex Robinson on Pippi Too, a 182.2kg blue marlin on 37kg line by Debbie Board, and a 177.9kg blue marlin on 24kg line by Jeff Smith on Tynefisher.
The third and final day was the most productive of this year's contest with five fish caught, four of those bought to the weigh station in the pohutukawa tree on Hihi Beach. The tally included a T&R striped marlin by Mark Robertson on Insalt, a 34.6kg yellowfin tuna by Tom Brien on Mac 2, a 62.65kg yellowfin tuna on 37kg line by Gina Paget on Black Label, a 64.55kg yellowfin tuna on 24kg line by Michael Olsen on Shandy, and a 110.3kg blue marlin on 37kg line by Brent Butler on Rumble.
