On Friday, September 4, we held the prizegiving for our kahawai month-long tournament. Congratulations to all our anglers, with 35 kahawai and 22 snapper recorded throughout August.

Our month-long tournaments are free for members, making them a great reason to get out on the water and get involved. Tournament rules are available on our website and Facebook page, or email [email protected] for a copy.

September is tarakihi month. Measure your tarakihi on an official Whakatāne Sportfishing Club measure board and send your photos to [email protected].

Don’t forget to send in your snapper photos as well for the mystery length snapper competition. A maximum of two photos per angler per week applies.

Looking ahead, October is trout month, so get ready for a month of chasing trout in our rivers and lakes.

To celebrate the opening weekend of trout season, there will be a jackpot for the longest trout, measured on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4.

Entry is $10 per angler, with the longest trout taking the pot. Enter online through our website, check out the post on Facebook, or ask at the club for an entry form. All trout must be measured on an official Whakatāne Sportfishing Club measure board.

At our 60th AGM, our committee for the next 12 months was announced. We welcome the following team for the 2026/2027 year:

President: Heyden Johnston

Vice-presidents: Mandy Lewis and Evan Stewart

Committee members: Sean Alexander, Craig Beasley, John Binzegger, Cameron Fleming, Margaret Fowell, Goose Haddock, Jason Hubbard, Matthew Hynds and John Ludwig.

A special general meeting will be held on Monday, September 28, starting at 6pm, to update members on the relocation of the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club.

This will provide an opportunity to give members a comprehensive update on the relocation, explain the work that has been undertaken, outline the matters that remain to be resolved, and discuss the options being considered.

This is an extremely capable committee, and we look forward to working together through our relocation project and into the relaunch of the club.

Club nights continue every Wednesday and Friday evening, with tonight’s members draw sitting at $1500. Simply scan your membership card when you enter the club to go into the draw, with raffles kicking off at 6pm.

Everyone is welcome on club nights, including non-members, who can come along, enjoy the atmosphere and enter the raffles. If you’d like to take part in the door draw or Friday night’s members draw, becoming a member is easy. Full membership is $98 a year and social memberships start at $57 a year. Sign up online or pop into the club and our friendly bar staff can get you sorted.

Happy Hour runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on club nights, so come along, catch up with fellow members and enjoy the evening.

Members may be aware that Whakatāne District Council stormwater works are currently underway, while Stage 3B of the Regional Council’s Project Future Proof has also begun.

The works have been sequenced so construction can progress while the club continues working towards the relocation of our building, but it means there will be some changes to parking and site access while construction is underway.

Currently, access to the car park adjacent to the club is restricted to mobility card holders and delivery vehicles only. Member, guests and community parking is at the vacant site at the end of Quay Street where the Army Hall used to be. Access to the club is along the walkway beside the wharf to the ramp entrance.

Skippers Restaurant and the clubrooms are open and are a great place for everyone to relax and enjoy the river views.

Whether you’ve been out on the water, meeting up with friends, enjoying a family outing or simply looking for a coffee, cake or a meal, come on down and check out the latest specials on offer at Skippers Restaurant.

The courtesy van operates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm and can be booked by calling 0800 CATCH ME (228 2463).

There’s plenty happening around the club over the coming weeks, and we look forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces – and some new ones – around the club. Tight lines.