The Hubbard Contracting Ltd Winter Tuna Tournament is off to a flying start, with teams heading out from Whakatāne and Waihau Bay in search of southern bluefin tuna.

The weigh station was kept busy over the opening weekend, with a steady stream of fish crossing the scales.

Lincoln Reid landed the first southern bluefin tuna of the tournament while fishing aboard Sea K under skipper Toby Barkla, weighing in at 45.6 kilograms.

Later that same day, Logan Gedson, fishing aboard The Electric Banana, landed his first-ever game fish. His impressive 76.6kg southern bluefin is, at the time of publication, leading the tournament.

Running through until Saturday, July 25, the Hubbard Contracting Winter Tuna Tournament is shaping up to be another outstanding winter fishery.

With $10,000 up for grabs for the heaviest southern bluefin tuna, another $10,000 for the average-weight southern bluefin across the 22-day tournament, weekly average-weight prizes, and a $1000 prize for the heaviest southern bluefin tuna caught from a trailer boat of eight metres or less, there’s still plenty to fish for.

The great thing about this tournament is that teams can enter at any stage during the 22 days, so there’s still time to get involved. Head to the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club website or our Facebook page for entry details.

The club would also like to acknowledge the incredible support of our tournament sponsors.

On Friday, July 10, we are looking forward to welcoming Matt Watson to the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club.

One of New Zealand’s best-known fishing personalities and host of the globally broadcast Ultimate Fishing TV, Watson will be at Friday Club Night before hosting a Q&A session. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just enjoy a good fishing story, it’s sure to be a great evening.

Not a member? Come along anyway. We are offering one-night-only free seven-day memberships, so bring the family, your friends and the neighbours and enjoy a great night at the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club.

Away from the tournament, there is plenty happening around the club.

Gurnard Month is well under way, with a steady stream of entries already received. This free members-only competition runs throughout July, with prizes for the Longest Gurnard, Average Gurnard and the Mystery Length Snapper draw.

Simply measure your fish on an official Whakatāne Sportfishing Club measure board, take a photo and email it to [email protected].

Open and Junior sections are available, with two entries per angler each week. If you need a new measure board, they’re available from the club bar or upstairs office for just $25.

The new fishing season officially began on July 1 and runs through until June 30, 2027.

Keep an eye out for the new tournament calendar, which will be released soon.

We’re also pleased to welcome back Haddocks Spraypainters and Panelbeaters as sponsors for another season. Their popular $5000 travel prize returns this year, with five lucky anglers from each club tournament qualifying for the grand prize draw at the 2027 Awards Evening. One finalist will walk away with the $5000 travel voucher.

To everyone who qualified for the Haddocks Spraypainters and Panelbeaters prize draw during the 2025/26 tournament season, keep an eye on your inbox. Invitations to the Awards Evening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, will be sent out shortly.

Congratulations to Alex and Ben Vander Werff, fishing aboard Chocolate Fish, on landing the club’s first southern bluefin tuna of the new season in the men’s and junior sections.

Congratulations also to Chloee Munn, who landed the first southern bluefin tuna of the season in the ladies’ section.

Finally, despite the ongoing construction to the west of the club, everything is operating as normal. Access remains via the eastern car park entrance, with full access to the entry ramp and wharf. Skippers Restaurant and the clubrooms are open as usual and remain the perfect place to relax after a day on the water while enjoying the river views.

Don’t forget our regular club nights every Wednesday and Friday, with Happy Hour from 5pm to 6.30pm. The courtesy van operates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm and can be booked by calling 0800 CATCH ME (228 2463).

We look forward to seeing everyone at the club and wish all anglers the very best of luck for the remainder of the Hubbard Contracting Winter Tuna Tournament.