Big support for Carters fishing comp

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November 13 may have been black Friday but superstitions didn’t get in the way as Carters Mangawhai held their annual fishing competition hosting contractors and customers and spreading some community goodwill.

The event was well attended with over 130 registered entries and fantastic support from suppliers with over $9,000 worth of prizes donated.

Weather conditions were really in favour of the fish and proved a test for the skippers and boats as the bar crossings were met with lumpy swells and breaking waves.

A persistent south-easterly wind meant there was nowhere to hide once they got out.

However, fishermen are a hardy lot and, despite the sea conditions, plenty of fish were landed and every species targeted in the prize categories was caught.

Darryl Reardon of Mangawhai Fishing and Tackle did a great job of weighing in the fish and maintaining a well organised recording system ably assisted by Sharon Korach.

The heaviest snapper at 6.1kg was caught by Ash Solanki, who took home a Honda petrol generator generously donated by Honda Marine and Jackson Brown.

Mangawhai Boating & Fishing Club were great hosts, and provided a well-earned hearty meal for the competitors, many of whom took home great prizes thanks to Honda Marine, Jackson Brown, Paslode, Elephant, Winstones, BCITO, Mangawhai Fishing & Tackle, Expol, J Scott & Co.

This year Honda Marine (through their new agent Jackson Brown) got involved and displayed the `Win the Dream’ ute and boat prize package. This is a Nationwide competition open to everyone and will be drawn in March 2016.

The sponsors and competitors all commented that it was a great event and enjoyed by all, and they would be coming back again next year.

TOP CATCH: James Brown (left) of Jackson Brown Automotive & Marine presents a Honda generator to heaviest snapper winner Ash Solanki.