The second annual Karikari Kontiki Klassic was hosted by the Whatuwhiwhi Top 10 Holiday Park over the July school holidays and attracted four man teams from as far afield as Stratford in Taranaki, Cambridge, Waiuku, Havelock North and Tauranga joining the locals.
The competition took place in pristine winter weather over three days with great kai and entertainment each night, noted MC Mark de Lacy aka The Minstrel, who provided the evening entertainment and plenty of humour during the three day event at the brand new indoor facility at Whatuwhiwhi Top 10 Holiday Park designed for weddings and conferences.
A total of 174 fish were caught with the biggest snapper a fine 9.90kg specimen from Shotcrete Beach Boys from Auckland who finished second overall in the total weight category. However, first place and winners of the Karikari Kontiki Klassic trophy went to Koromoko, Miko and Jayden Rogers, a grandfather and grandson team from Kaitaia.
The main prize, a Predator torpedo rig, was decided by a lucky draw and went to a highly delighted Kevin Griffiths and his main man Dave with his Ninety Milers team from Ahipara, noted de Lacy.
"Kevy is well known to northern fishos. He is a quadriplegic but that has never stopped him pursuing his passion for fishing and he's often seen chugging along the beach in his self designed chair with tank tracks. He's even successfully landed a couple of marlin with his electric reel combo. A very popular winner who makes a living painting extraordinary fishing pictures with a brush held in his mouth."
De Lacy also noted three Torpedo manufacturers all entered teams in the event and conducted a demonstration of their latest and greatest fish catching machines on Tokerau Beach. All three were so impressed with the competition and the enthusiasm of the entrants they have each decided to provide a torpedo as prizes for the 2013 event.
Overall results from the 2012 Karikari Kontiki Klassic were as follows.
Snapper: Shotcrete Beach Boys 9.90kg (e.g. first), Koromoko 8.15kg, Zero Pak 7.95kg; Kahawai Charlies Angels 3.30kg, Mighty Ika 3kg, WindStalkers 3kg; Gurnard: Ninety Milers (first by countback), Shotcrete Beach Boys, Ninety Milers all 1.10kg.
Other: Two Men & A Muppet 5.20kg trevally, 1; Fishy Fingers 4kg pufferfish, Gotta Feed 2.85kg barracuda. Overall: Koromoko 46.85kg, Shotcrete Beach Boys 38.85kg, Charlies Angels 33.40kg, Zero Pak 27.65kg, Wind Stalkers 23.85kg. Mystery weight Snapper: Zero Pak 2.85kg.
Organisers were now preparing to host the 10th annual Karikari Kite Klassic which will also double as the second world kitefishing championships in November.
They noted that entries for this popular event had sold out the last two years so recommended those interested to get in early with the title of world champions up for grabs.
For more information, contact the holiday park, or email the de Lacy at, minstrel@xtra.co.nz