THE 2018 ANNUAL KAYAK FISHING CLUB GET TOGETHER

This years event was the best so far with a number of original club members making it plus plenty of new faces. This meant our biggest yet with over 175 persons attending. The forecast once again proved challenging however on the day conditions allowed some to fish along the western side of Coromandel Peninsula with most choosing to go to the eastern side also. The result was plenty of fish species being caught and this was evident at weigh in with large queues and some fantastic fish coming in.

This was our 11th get together and the vibe this year made it something special. Right from the beginning it was clear that all who attended were here to make the most of Coromandel's fantastic kayak fishing opportunities as well as having plenty of fun. During weigh in there was lots of friendly banter and laughs a plenty with a number of stories entertaining all who watched on. Special thanks to Bronee and Miranda for assisting with weigh in which made things go smoothly as this year we had many people bringing in their catch with a steady run from 3 to 5 pm.

During lead up to the evening dinner and prize giving it was great to see every person enjoying each others company. One of the special highlights is the family atmosphere with a number of children attending and it was awesome to see them having just as much fun as the adults. Its a very unique experience with a bunch of real people coming along to make the most of the social side this event is well known for.

It was also great to have Craig Robinson from Pure Fishing one of our longest sponsors to the event competition who was on hand to talk with anyone wanting to discuss softbait fishing. The food was amazing once again with everyone contributing to what was a massive feed.

Special mention should go to Mike Bell who cooked the meat on his specially made BBQ spit roast. Also Nathan for lending a hand on the BBQ and the team who worked in the kitchen and without this the event would not be what it is. The range of food on offer is what really makes this event so unique and special.

Once again there was a huge amount of prizes up for grabs with even more on offer this year. A special mention needs to be given to BLA NZ the distributor of Humminbird fish finders who have now locked in major prizes for every year.

Most people who attended went home with something and this is down to the generosity of the supporters to this event. Without this the free fishing competition wouldn't be possible and many are long term contributors.

CKA CLUB KAYAK FISHING COMPETITION RESULTS 2018

Women’s Section

Snapper: 1st Miranda Tock 2.62kg, 2nd  Andrea White 1.22kg - John Dory: Kim Thorpe 1.32kg

Kid’s Section

Snapper: 1st Matthew Krukerink 1.48kg, 2nd Luke Smithson 1.28kg - Kahawai 1st: Jack Moses 2.21kg, 2nd Dion Wallwork 0.89kg

Open Section

Heaviest Snapper 35 – 60cm - 1st Paul Rountree 4.26kg, 2nd John Peraua 3.97kg, 3rd Damon Bryant 3.80kg

Over 60cm snapper: 1st Grant Mitchell 82cm, 2nd Paul Rountree 81cm

Kahawai: 1st Ron Russell 2.58kg, 2nd Damian Trownson   2.25kg  

Trevally: 1st Les Hazeldine 2.86kg, 2nd Blair Cameron 2.48kg

John Dory: 1st Scott Mcgregor 2.79kg, 2nd Kim Thorpe 1.63kg

Kingfish: 1st William He 14.9kg, 2nd Jeff Forse 6.09kg

Mystery Catch: 1st Marc Lye (terakihi) 0.88kg, 2nd Nick Murphy    (octopus) 0.68kg

Heaviest Fish Overall: William He Kingfish 14.9kg

Average Weight Snapper: Barry Besley 1.59kg

Mystery Weight: John Peraua 3.90kg

Coromandel Kayak Adventures shop prize: William He

Above: Grant Mitchell with the biggest snapper over 60cm which was 82cm photographed and released.