Youngsters take fishing spotlight

 

The annual Take A Kid Fishing competition drew over 40 hopeful entrants again last weekend. This year however there were some changes.

Major sponsor was again David Wingate from Wingate and Farquhar but this time there was a new logo on the banner waving outside the boating club.

Daryl Riordan was once again the main organiser but this was his final official duty as his business, Mangawhai Fishing and Tackle, has been bought by corporate leaders Top Catch who have over a dozen branches dotted around the upper north island.

Nontheless, Daryl’s enthusiasm for the junior anglers was still there, with his encouragement from those who failed to land a fish to the high fives he gave to the successful young fishermen regardless whether they weighed in serious fish or tiddlers to take home for the cat.

He also imparted his considerable knowledge about each type of fish to the youngsters, an important aspect to maintain their interest in the sport and keep them coming back to holiday in Mangawhai.

We wish Daryl well in his retirement.

Getting an early taste of Mangawhai fishing competitions was Top Catch CEO Jake Fannin, himself a regular visitor to Mangawhai.

Top Catch is arguably New Zealand’s leading fishing tackle group, specialising in fantastic bait, tackle and advice and with new owners, fisho’s can expect to see some changes to their local shop with perhaps a greater range of chandlery but it’s really just about being able to get the right gear to catch the big fish.

Competition winner was Rosa McDonald with a handy 1.14kg Parore, Morgan Bull fronted up with a good sized kahawai skeleton which brought a laugh or two from the crowd, and 2 year-old Mason Cameron was keen to show everyone his first fish.

All enjoyed their chocolate fish, sausages and ice-blocks and sponsored prizes were spread far and wide from biggest to smallest fish, and most unusual fish.

By Rob Pooley