WINNER: Junior champion angler Taine Hintz (left) receives his prize from Warrick Anderson who sponsored the junior section.
WINNER: Junior champion angler Taine Hintz (left) receives his prize from Warrick Anderson who sponsored the junior section.
About 100 anglers took advantage of good spring weather to take part in the sponsored Pukemanu Fishing Open last weekend, with fishing taking place at Ngawi and Tora.
Seven species were sought and resulting catches were weighed in, then auctioned by Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade as a fundraiser.
The auctionwas held in the Martinborough Square outside Pukemanu Tavern and buyers, treated to some quality fresh fish, were generous in their bids, with the brigade realising $2500 from fish sales. A further $1500 from a generous donor lifted the total to $4000.
Great fishing was had by all anglers as shown by the general good condition of fish weighed. Cape Palliser Marine Radio helped with communications and ensured a safe competition.
The results of the competition were: Blue cod section winner, Brandon Fenwick with a cod 2.84kg; Groper section, Charlie Baldwin 15.4kg; Gurnard section, Warren Edwards 1.7kg; Kahawai section, Leisa Riddell 1.78kg; Terakihi section, Gavin Hodgekiss 2.43kg; Trumpeter section, David Andrews 8.26kg; Kingfish section, Shane Baldwin 7.65kg.
Champion angler was Shane Baldwin with 553.1 points, who won a prize consisting of a Daiwa Electric reel and fishing rod valued at well over $1000.
Champion junior angler was Taine Hintz with 441.4 points, winning a fishing rod and reel, along with other prizes and a junior trophy.
Organisers thanked principal sponsor Hunting and Fishing, the numerous sponsors who donated prizes and the public for generous support of the competition and the auction.
