Menz Shed recasts Lake Ferry contest

GREAT CATCH: Steve Townsend with his prize-winning snapper at a previous year's Lake Ferry Fishing Competition. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Featherston Menz Shed is bringing the competitive spirit back to fishing at Lake Ferry.

After a lull of several years, the Lake Ferry Fishing Competition has been re-established and is being held this Saturday.

Organiser Richard Burgess said the Menz Shed was keen to maintain the tradition of a family surfcasting event.

"We found out it wasn't running anymore and we thought 'gosh we could do that' so we got together with the Lions and now we are doing it ... it's just been a tradition - it's a good beach for fishing."

The competition was established by the Tauherenikau Lions and subsequently organised by other South Wairarapa Lions clubs as a means of providing fun for families and raising money for charitable purposes, but has not been held since 2012, Mr Burgess said.

The competition is aimed at families and there will be several prizes, including spot prizes and children's prizes, Mr Burgess said.

"It's always a great event for all types of people. There's a great family atmosphere and there's some extremely good fishing to be had."

If successful, it will remain an annual event, he said.

The Menz Shed will be assisted by the Featherston Lions to run this year's competition.

Fishing runs from 9am to 3pm and covers the area from the opening of Lake Onoke to about half a kilometre east of Whangaimoana.

The prizegiving will be held at 4pm at the hotel.

Tickets are on sale from Lake Ferry and Whangaimoana, with adults costing $20 and juniors $5.

For more information see www.facebook.com/lakeferryfishingcompetition and www.fishingwairarapa.co.nz