After a delayed start due to unfavourable weather, the Whakatāne Fencing Ladies Tournament was held over two days last weekend.

Conditions improved and although some anglers found the fishing challenging, plenty of good fish were landed and weighed. Congratulations to all anglers who took home prizes.

Special mention goes to Peter Willetts, skipper of Malachi, who won the John Dreifuss Memorial Trophy for Skipper of the Winning Vessel with the most IGFA points.

The Budget Wear Trophy for Most Meritorious Catch and the Graham Lerway Trophy for Heaviest Fish Overall were awarded to Kate Roberts, fishing on Recon, for her 30.8 kilogram yellowfin tuna.

Dayna Studer, fishing on Coasty, took home the Andrew Wilde Memorial Trophy for first weighed yellowfin tuna.

The Mark Dobson Trophy for Best Dressed Team went to Clearwater Pride.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Whakatāne Fencing, Haddocks Spraypainters and Panelbeaters, Williams & Wilshiers Transport Limited Rotorua, Jewlz, Massage Me and Beautify You, STR Logging, Paula Sharp Nutritional Therapist, Bridgestone Mill Road and Fish Art.  

Thanks also to the weigh masters and many helpers behind the scenes for a successful tournament.  

For a full list of results, please visit the Whakatane Sportfishing Club website: https://whakatanesportfishingclub.co.nz/

Next up is the Fishing & More One Base Tournament, powered by PENN, being held over Waitangi Weekend.

The briefing will be held at the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club tomorrow, with fishing taking place from Friday to Sunday. Prizegiving will be held at 7pm.

Thanks to our sponsors, Fishing n More, PENN, Iceman, Blast n Paint, Megastrong Trailers, R & R Tractors, STR Logging, Tracks Concrete, and Haddocks Spraypainters and Panelbeaters.

Upcoming tournaments include the New Zealand Sportfishing Nationals, running from February 21 to 28. Entries are $25 and can be completed online or at the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club. Mate vs Mate, Team vs Team, Club vs Club – nationwide fishing, local pride.

n Upcoming event: Valentine’s Day on February 14 is a great day to bring your loved one down to the club for a special Valentine’s Day cocktail or enjoy a $6 handle of beer at the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club. Book your table now by calling 307 0334 or emailing [email protected].

Club nights are back on for 2026. Join us on Wednesday nights for the door draw, with $250 to be won, and on Friday nights for the members draw, with a potential $500 prize that jackpots to $2000 if not won.

Come along for great company, fun, and raffles.