Fishing: Furuno still uncertain

It will be a month or more before the future of the Furuno fishing tournament is known - if it has a future.

New owner of the Pah Farm site at Kawau Island, Kim Spencer, told the anglers at the 19th annual event that his aim was to host the event again. But he is negotiating with a Canadian who wants to buy all the land.

Spencer said yesterday that he is considering a deal to sell some and to retain the ground including the lodge, camping ground and cabins and the snapper hatchery.

He gave no guarantee the contest would go ahead on the site next year.

Spencer said the behaviour of the anglers and the outcome of this year's contest had been "excellent".

Over six tonnes of fish was caught, to be sold by Moana Pacific with proceeds going to Auckland maritime charity Foam.

Paul Lovell, of Te Aroha, had best snapper and the World Cup trophy with a 11.85kg fish caught on Friday morning near Great Barrier. Brendon Wilson, of Bucklands Beach, had best kingfish, 30.54kg, caught on Thursday, and he and fishing partner Craig Gundesen between them caught the six heaviest kingfish that day - Wilson first, second and third and Gundesen fourth, fifth and sixth.

The $50,000 boat prize went to Gary Chown, of Te Kauwhata, who has fished the contest for 17 years and was not previously a boat owner.