Driving rain and a howling nor’easter did not deter hardy young fishers, or their parents, from successfully reviving the Waiheke Fish’n Kids competition at Old Matiatia Wharf on Sunday.
The Waiheke Fishing Club contest, organised by Ox Tackle Developments, was great fun despite the weather for 23 entrants who competed in three categories: under-6s; 7-9 years and 11-12 years. While not all lasted the distance, patience brought rewards as the sun came out for prizegiving.
Kasey ‘Ox’ Coghlan kept himself busy helping entrants with rods and reels, distributing a steady stream of berley and advice.
“Everyone had a great time and there were heaps of prizes and hotdogs,” Ox says. “Babicka’s Table provided sausages, KD Distributors had drinks on hand and club members provided lollies.”
The trophy was awarded to Noah Ogilvie in the 7-9 years category for a 0.68kg snapper. A couple of other snapper, three kahawai and a mackerel were also landed, weighed and measured before all fish were returned to the sea. • Geoff Cumming