Fishing: Maraetai spirit

For the last three years I have acted as the MC for the Maraetai Beach Boating Club's annual Stabicraft fishing competition, which this year will be held on April 22, 23 and 24.

What gives me a buzz from this competition is the local pride and community spirit, as it raises funds for the three local schools and the volunteer fire brigade.

Anybody can fish the competition from anywhere - including both coasts. The only prerequisite is getting to the weigh-in on time.

Not only are there daily prizes for snapper, kingfish, kahawai and trevally, there are lots of lucky angler prizes drawn as well.

The major prize is a Stabicraft 559 fisher with a 90hp Yamaha outboard which has been sponsored by Kev & Ian's Marine, Stabicraft, and Yamaha Marine, valued at approximately $40,000.

Everyone that fishes the adult competition and weighs in a snapper of one kilo or more has the chance to win the Stabicraft package. If you catch your limit each day you will have 27 chances.

At the end of each day's prize-giving five anglers will be drawn to be in the grand draw on the last night.

Fifteen excited and nervous anglers are on the stage and slowly, one by one, they are eliminated until only two remain.

The next number drawn out will win the trip to Stabicraft's sister competition in Invercargill and the other takes away the fabulous Stabicraft package.

Being so community- and family-focused, the club also runs a two-day competition for the kids.

Again they make it simple and fair as you do not even need to own a boat - your kids can fish from a beach, rocks or wharf and still be in to win.

All they have to do is catch any legal-size fish. Prizes are drawn from all entries so everyone has a chance at a prize, as well as the grand prize of a Mac 270 dinghy and a Yamaha outboard.

If you are into having fun and supporting a great cause, get an entry in and you and the kids could be in for a great prize.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY