The New Zealand Sportfishing Council 70th AGM Dinner and Prizegiving was held in Whitianga, and Whakatāne Sportfishing Club had plenty to celebrate.

The Whakatāne club took out the Nationals Varta Cup with 2,556.67 points, along with Team Aquarius taking out the CD Rods Top Team title.

A special congratulations to our very own Olliver Pask, who was named joint Top Junior of the Year. What an awesome achievement.

Further congratulations to Heyden Johnston, our club president and newly appointed president of the NZSFC. For photos of the evening, visit our Facebook page.

A Special General Meeting was held at the club on Monday night, where members were provided with an update on the progress of the relocation project.

The overall message was that the relocation project is full steam ahead, and the movement of the historic Whakatāne Sportfishing Club building will be a marvel to watch.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, the members’ update can be found on our Facebook page or visit our website for the full report.

Prizegiving for the tarakihi month-long tournament is on tonight. Stick around after club night to find out who measured the longest and average tarakihi in the open and junior sections, as well as who takes out the mystery length snapper prize.

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

This weekend will see the Opening Weekend Trout Jackpot. There is still time to enter the jackpot – $10 per angler – which is on Saturday and Sunday. The longest trout for the weekend takes the pot.

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. Remember, a maximum of two photos per angler per week applies.

Saturday, October 10, will see the return of the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club 7 Species Tournament. Can your team land all seven species and take home the coveted Clarry Collier Memorial Trophy?

Entries are open now with a briefing on Friday, October 9, after club night. Make sure you visit the office to sign the registration sheet and pick up your skipper’s pack.

Not a member yet? Now is a great time to join. Membership gives you access to our members-only month-long tournaments, members draws and door draws, along with other club benefits. Full membership is $98 for the year, and social memberships start at $57; sign up online from home or while you’re out fishing, or pop into the club and our friendly bar staff can get you sorted.

Bathurst is on Sunday, October 11, and we’ll have it on the big screen from 11am when the club opens. Come along, grab a coffee, a cold drink, something to eat, settle in and enjoy all the action.

The WDC stormwater works have been completed, with access to the car park made slightly easier. Access to the car park adjacent to the Whakatāne Sportfishing Club is still restricted to mobility card holders and delivery vehicles only.

Member, guest and community parking is located at the vacant site where the Army Hall used to be. With the longer evenings, enjoy the sunset while walking along the walkway beside the wharf to the ramp entrance.

For those who don’t remember the Army Hall, parking is available at the vacant lot opposite Awa Café at the end of Quay Street.

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.

Come on down

■ Club nights are Wednesday and Friday evenings, with tonight’s members’ draw sitting at $500. Scan your membership card when you enter to go into the draw. Happy Hour runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and raffles kick off at 6pm.

■ Courtesy van, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm. To book call 0800 CATCH ME (228 2463).

■ Skippers Restaurant and the clubrooms are open and a great place to relax, catch up with family and friends, and enjoy the river views. The Anchorage area is available for all work and private events.