Families gear up for Tahuna fishing competition
This is the 15th year of the Tahuna-based Wright family fishing competition – legendary for its eels and snappers.
The Wright family fishing competition will take place this weekend, marking 15 years since it first began.
Event organiser, Faith Baker, says the event is popular and they are expecting at least 200-250 people.
The annual fishing event encourages kids to participate in outside activities, getting them away from electronics and learning the rules of fishing. “It’s really important for kids to learn how to fish responsibly as far as size and weights and regulations,” Faith said.
As a community, the annual fishing competition is the largest fundraiser for Tahuna School, which encourages all their students to take part. Every child that enters receives a free goodie bag from the sponsors. The bags include fishing rods, tackle boxes, t-shirts, lollies, and more.
“They’re receiving $30 worth of gifts for only a $5 entry fee, so it’s pretty good,” Faith says.
Previous records in the event’s history vary, one in particular was a snapper that weighed in at 13.6kgs. For Baker, one that stands out the most was a 1kg eel in the adults group.
“The last three years I’ve been running it, I’ve seen some kids weigh in some really decent fish,” she said.
Fishing starts at 6am Saturday March 12. Contestants are allowed to fish any legal waters in New Zealand. “As long as they’re registered, contestants can fish any legal waters then we’ll all meet up on Sunday for the official weighin,” Faith says.
For more information you can contact Faith Baker at Faitho50@gmail.com
