Hooks out for big Moki

Organisers of the Moki $1000 competition are thrilled with a high number of early entries but are advising people to vote in the general elections before they go fishing.

The first ever Moki fishing contest in Wairarapa is to be held this weekend between Whangaimoana and Stonewall Creek, Cape Palliser.

The competition has been organised by Feilding Surfcasting Club, together with the New Zealand National Amateur Casting Association.

It is the first time, to the organisers' knowledge, of any fishing competition involving just blue moki.

President Brian Snaith said they have been contacted by the electoral office to urge people to vote before they get there.

"Don't forget to vote before you get to Ngawi," he reminded everyone heading out on the water.

Mr Snaith said they have received about 80 pre-entries for the competition - which is quite a high number.

"Normally they wait and turn up on the day," he said. "We've had a lot of people ringing up and saying they're going to be down there."

The weather forecast looks promising and it has to be pretty bad for the competition to be cancelled.

If this is the case, sponsored prizes will still be drawn out of a hat at the end of the day and the jackpot prize will double for next year.

Mr Snaith said the competition was based around three coasts so even if one area is rough, the other two are usually still suitable for fishing.

"It's looking quite good," he said.

The entry fee is $20 per rod, with a maximum of two rods per person.

The top prize for the heaviest blue moki is $1000.

For more information contact Bryan Snaith on (06) 323 5567 or 027 871 9832.