Big catch makes great start for competition

Keen fishermen have had their prayers answered with excellent conditions for the first day of the 18th annual Castlepoint Community Fishing Competition, which started yesterday.

Masterton's Dave Wilton had a great start to the competition with a snapper weighing in at 10.3kg, caught off the high top rocks by the lighthouse.

Competition chairman Graeme "Jolly" McConaghty said the weather and level of participation was excellent.

"The weather's meant to be sort of similar tomorrow, so hopefully we'll get two complete fishing days this year," he said.

Yesterday, about 45 boats were in the water by 10.30am although there were still more coming in.

These had about four people fishing on average but the larger boats held up to 10 people.

The competition had changed from it's usual Saturday/Sunday slot after feedback from the participants.

Mr McConaghty said it seemed to be paying off with the weather.

"Most of the people are pretty happy with the conditions. They reckon we have done a lot of praying," he said.

The entry fee is $30 and registrations can be taken from 6am at the beach today.

Prizegiving will be held on at 7pm on Saturday, and include cash prizes for the Whakataki Hotel Heaviest Snapper, Castlepoint Holiday Park & Motels Heaviest Kahawai and the Carly Harris Heaviest King Fish.

There had also been "quite a few numbers" in the children's section, according to Mr McConaghty.