Marlin and tuna hunt kicks off in Gisborne with impressive catches

One of the district’s major fishing tournaments - the Gisborne Hunting & Fishing Marlin and Tuna Hunt - got off to a strong start on Thursday with 50 boats hitting the water.

Anglers reeled in some solid catches, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

More than 300 anglers on 85 boats had entered as of Thursday and that number was expected to increase.

Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club president Roger Faber said a light southerly made things “a little bit lumpy” early on but conditions improved over the day.

“Most of the contestants stayed out there as long as they could,” he said.

By 2.30pm, 13 yellowfin tuna had been landed while a yellowfin and a marlin were tagged and released.

“So the marlin are out there,” Faber said.

The marlin was caught and released by Sam Blackmore on the boat Matika near South Rocks, about 15 nautical miles offshore.

“Most of the fish were being caught slightly south of South Rocks,” Faber said.

With calm seas forecast for Friday, he expected even more anglers to head out.

“It’s certainly been a great start to the contest and the weather looks absolutely beautiful.”