Nugget Point fishing contest attracts 166 entries

Leticia Cochrane shows off the 3.765kg groper that earned her a top prize at the Kaka Point fishing competition. Photo / Samuel White.

Family and fishing were to the fore at Kaka Point in the weekend as people baited up for the annual Kaka Point Fishing Competition, which had been postponed from its Easter date.

Nugget Point Recreational Fishing Club president Lindsay Cochrane said the weather at Easter was unsuitable but this weekend a strong contingent of 166 adults and children came to compete for the biggest catches.

Mr Cochrane's immediate and extended family of about 12 entered the competition and daughter Leticia (10) won top prize and the children's section with her 3.765kg groper.

She needed help from dad to reel in the big fish from a ''super secret location'' off the Catlins coast. She said it was ''cool'' to win two prizes for her fish.

Mr Cochrane said the contest was ''good family fun''.

He hoped his children would grow up and teach their own offspring how to fish and enter similar competitions.

While entrant numbers were down from last year, Mr Cochrane said the event went very well and thanked the sponsors for their support.

Anglers came from as far as Twizel, Milford Sound and back off the coast of the Catlins and near the Nuggets.

Yesterday's weather was not as good as Saturday's, Mr Cochrane said.

The Fisherman's Ocean Classic section was won by Dean Cochrane and the Freshwater Combination Trophy was won by Jenny Hall.

Prizes were given out at The Point Cafe and Bar.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz