Hook’em Up boat fishing competition held on 28 February off Otaki beach.
Following postponement of the competition the weekend before due to extreme weather conditions and despite the days forecasted strong winds and heavy rain, conditions on the beach were surprisingly near perfect. A minimal surf break and calm sea out wide provided great early morning boating conditions so the competition went ahead as scheduled with 126 competitors, 43 boats, taking to the water in the hope of catching a prize winning fish.
With fishing commencing approximately 6.30am boats soon started to report good size schools of pan size snapper moving through the area. Kahawai, gurnard and kingfish were also present in great numbers, in turn providing some fantastic fishing and full dinner plates for every competitor whether novice or seasoned angler. Several boats were already cued up at the weigh-in by 9.30am having “bagged out” their limit of fish for the day.
Conditions remained safe for boats and crews for the rest of the day despite increasing rainfall and several wind shifts.
Co-ordination of the competition was carried out from shore via VHF and cell phone ensuring everyone participating in the event was kept safe and assistance was available if requested.
Prize giving was held at the Otaki Squash Club Saturday evening with all participants enjoying hot food, beverages and spot prizes. The main prize pool for heaviest fish caught consisted of $10,000 worth of fishing rods, reels and tackle and was awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th heaviest snapper, gurnard, kahawai and kingfish, adult and junior section.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors this year every junior angler and almost every other entrant received a prize making it a hugely successful and memorable event for everybody who participated.
Registrations this year were received from as far away as the Wairarapa as well as the large contingent of local boat owners from the Kapiti/Horowhenua region, showing huge local support for the event.
The Otaki Boating Club recognises that without the sponsorship and support from businesses this competition would not continue to grow in popularity and success as it has in recent years. We again express our many thanks for your generosity.
The Otaki Boating Club is committed to providing boat owners, their families and friends safety at sea. By holding such events the club is able educate skippers and their crews on how to safely participate in boating activities off Otaki Beach.
Once again thank you for your support and we wish you all the best for the coming year.
Trevor Hosking Chairman Otaki Boating Club Committee
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and agree with the big thanks to sponsors