GEMMA HUGHES
A Napier fisherman is so proud of the fly fishing conditions in Hawke's Bay, he has organised a "world first" trout fishing competition to be held in the region in November.
Craig Ennor said Hawke's Bay was "blessed" with wonderful trout fishing rivers, but felt they went unnoticed.
He and angler Gary Kemsley came up with the Taradale 3 Fly Trout Fishing Competition, as a way of showcasing what Hawke's Bay had to offer.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a competition of this type has been run anywhere in the world," Mr Ennor said.
The competition has a "catch and release" format and the three fly fishing styles - wet, dry and nymph - would be incorporated.
The two-day event would see each competitor receive three flies for each day of the competition. They would also have to draw for a fishing partner and for a spot on either the Tutaekuri, Tukituki, or Ngaruroro rivers.
Mr Ennor said the concept would help keep the playing field as level as possible.
Competitors could fish for as long as they wanted, provided each catch was witnessed and recorded by their partner and they were back at the meeting point before a certain time.
Prizes would be awarded throughout the competition, for achievements ranging from the longest fish to the best "hard luck" story.
The top prize was a weekend for two in Hawke's Bay and a guided trout fishing trip with Gary Kemsley to the backwaters of Hawke's Bay.
The Taradale Club, which is hosting the competition, would provide breakfasts and a dinner for competitors.
It was also planning activities and demonstrations during the competition to encourage the public to get involved.
The competition will be held on November 19 and 20. Entry forms are available from the Taradale Club. Those received before the end of September qualify for an earlybird prize.
'World first' trout comp on in HB
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