Gamefishers toast big season

YOUNG WINNER: Hannah Shalders who was recognised at the Ahipara Gamefish Club 2014/15 last month.

The past summer of big gamefishing was celebrated at the Ahipara Gamefish Club's recent annual prizegiving at the Kaitaia Golf Club.

The Saturday night event saw trophies awarded to recognise the standout fish and highlights of the past season, with the club also holding its annual meeting along with dinner and a few beverages as some tall and not-so-tall fishing tales from throughout the season were shared.

The outstanding angler of the season award went to Aaron Switzer for weighing in a 280.5kg blue marlin on Time Out, the heaviest gamefish landed since club records began in 2007.

Switzer also claimed the heaviest gamefish, heaviest blue marlin and most meritorious catch trophies, which were collected on his behalf by sister Haidee (he was unable to be at the event with his partner close to having their baby).

Jacob Laurenson (shown with Lynda Matthews) at the Ahipara Gamefish Club 2014/15 prizegiving last month. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Also notable were Hannah Shalders whose very nice 107.6kg striped marlin caught on Ma Rua in March ended up winning her the heaviest gamefish caught by a junior title, and Jacob Laurenson who picked up the heaviest snapper caught by a Junior trophy for the second year running with a 2.21kg fish caught in January.

The other significant catch from the past season celebrated was Nicky Sinden's 199kg broadbill on April 20, being the first and heaviest broadbill by a lady angler since club records began.

Other prizewinners for the 2014/15 season were: Heaviest striped marlin (of the season), 152kg/37kg line by Dave Morrogh on March 18; most tag and release, Dave Gray 3; angler with most points, D Gray (for three tagged marlin) 1350 points; heaviest tuna, 11.84kg albacore by Michael Erceg on March 18; hHeaviest kingfish, 17kg Leighton Matthews on February 10; February Trophy, Andrew Morrogh 435.5 points.

Looking ahead, club reporter Lynda Matthews noted fishing was quiet - as per normal for the time of year - but said everyone was looking forward to the first club competition of the 2015/16 season which is being held in November.

The winner of the Crombie Lockwood Kingfish Classic, the angler landing the heaviest kingfish during the month, will take out the first place prize of $500. Entry is $25pp and all anglers must be a current member with subscriptions for the 2015/16 season due from July 1.