First kids fishing comp has ‘em hooked

JULIA WADE

Young locals were hooked line and sinker into a kid’s only fishing competition over the school holidays, with over a hundred children making their way to Mangawhai’s harbour waters to cast their lines in the hope of netting a decent size fish and an equally great prize.

Organised by owners of Mangwhai Heads long-standing local fishing store Top Catch Mangawhai, Dave and Myf Gurr say the free comp, open to under 16-year-olds from April 26-28 with fish to be caught only from the estuary, was aimed to inspire kids to get outdoors and have a go at fishing.

“We’ve received so much positive feedback from our lovely community… it was our first kids fishing competition and was a huge success,” they say. “Thanks to so many local sponsors, we were able to give away some pretty amazing prizes, worth over $3000!”

Top Catch teamed up with ‘Addicted to Fishing’ presenter and celebratory local fisherwoman, Nicky Wilson, to hand out rewards at Mangawhai Boat Club on April 28, attended by over 120 children who weighed-in their best trevally, snapper, kahawai, piper and even sprats, hoping to hook a prize from the large pool of boogie boards, e-scooters, snorkelling and fishing gear. Mangawhai Meats also supplied food for a free BBQ.

“Best thing about the competition is that it brought families and our community together to make the most of the great fishing our harbour has to offer,” the Gurr’s say. “Thank you to everyone who made our first kids competition possible, seeing families getting out there enjoying themselves is what it’s all about…. we can’t wait for next year!”

Top Catch Mangawhai owners and organisers of the popular kids fishing competition, Dave and Myf Gurr with children Mason (7) and Nate (5) say they are passionate about inspiring the next generation into fishing and enjoying the outdoors. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
 

A proud armful of fish; winner Riley Brown with his 4.965kg snapper.
 

3:

Siblings Archie and Georgia Mennell took out first and second place for their 3.725kg and 3.345kg trevallys.

4:

Addicted to Fishing presenter Nicky Wilson, and Myf and Dave Gurr with Harper Reyners who won a cool e-scooter for catching a winning 2.270kg kahawai.