Adam Clement took first prize in the skate/ray category with his 51.4kg catch. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Although there were no monster prizes awarded for the heaviest kahawai and snapper, a record number of fish were caught at the 24th Castlepoint Fishing Competition last weekend.
The $1000 prizes for snapper weighing over 2.5kg and kahawai over 3kg went unclaimed, but there were plenty of other winners on Saturday night.
Around 120 land-based and over 130 boat-based anglers tried their luck over the two-day competition.
Castlepoint Fishing Competition treasurer Michael O’Hara said fishing numbers were up on the previous year and that a record number of fish had been caught over the weekend.
O’Hara said fishing conditions on Friday were especially good.
“[We had] a really successful day on Friday . . . plenty of fish being caught. The weather was fine and the sea conditions were exceptionally good.”
Saturday’s sea conditions meant the boat-based section was cancelled.
Prizes were awarded to each person who placed in the top three for each of the species categories.
Instead of those with the heaviest kahawai over 3kg, a prize was awarded to Nick Loader from the boat ‘Why Worry’ for catching the median size of 1.4kg.
A prize was also awarded to Barry New from the boat ‘Ventura’ for his 15.74kg Kingfish.
Additionally, this year saw the introduction of the youth category which was awarded to Ryan Oakly for the greatest number of species caught.
Several children also took part in the ‘kiddies’ fishing section which was held in the Lagoon area.
The annual competition helps raise funds for community organisations, including the Castlepoint Residents & Ratepayers Association, Tinui Parish and Castlepoint’s district hall, racing club and fire service.
