It’s been a busy and exciting month for the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club, with some impressive catches, popular tournaments and plenty happening both on and off the water.

On October 25, club member Olliver Pask landed a spectacular yellowtail kingfish after a hard-fought one hour and five-minute battle in the Kiwi Whare 2 area. The fish weighed 12 kilograms and was caught on 4kg line, making it a pending world record. A well-deserved congratulations to Olliver on a remarkable catch.

The October Month-Long Snapper Tournament also produced some great results. Lotus Chapman landed an impressive 49.8cm snapper in the Kiwi Whare 1 grid area. It’s always encouraging to see junior anglers getting out on the water and reeling in quality fish.

In the junior section, Harley Jaram took first place with a 52.2cm snapper. The Junior Average Length prize went to Kaycee Roy, whose 41.4cm snapper was closest to the section average of 42.83cm. Kaycee also picked up the Junior Mystery Length Kahawai prize, with her 47cm kahawai coming closest to the target of 45cm.

In the open section, Mathew Gebert landed the tournament’s longest snapper – a monster measuring 74.2cm. The Open Average Length prize went to Jo Taylor, whose 43.2cm snapper was nearest to the average of 43.38cm. The Open Mystery Length Kahawai went to Allen Pask, whose 41cm kahawai was closest to the 40cm mystery length.

Looking ahead, the club has a full calendar for November. The ever-popular Pak’n Save Hams Tournament will take place on Saturday, November 22, a favourite in the lead-up to Christmas.

The club thanks its generous sponsors – Pak’nSave Whakatāne, McLeod Drainage & Digger Hire, Bridgestone Mill Road, Eastwind Clydesdales, Read’s Flooring First, Alpha Pipelines, Whakatāne ITM, and Sefton Electrical – whose support makes these events possible. Entries for the Hams Tournament are open now, both online and at the club.

Coming up in early January, the Whale Plumbing Junior Tournament will give young anglers another chance to get out on the water and compete. More details and entry information will be available soon.

The club is also hosting several social events this month. Tomorrow, in conjunction with EPIC Whakatāne, the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club will present the Mafia Comedy Dinner Show and Fun Casino – an evening of great food, entertainment and fun. On Sunday, November 16, the club will hold a Garage Sale, offering locals the chance to buy, sell and clear out those hidden treasures. Tables cost $20, with limited spots available.

It’s shaping up to be another great summer at the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club. Tight lines everyone – see you out on the water.