Olliver Pask may be only 17 years old, but he has already spent more time on the water than off it.

His dedication to the sport he loves has earned him a top New Zealand award, recognising his achievements and commitment to fishing.

Last week, Olliver, a member of the Whakatāne Sport Fishing Club, travelled to Whitianga and was crowned Joint Junior Angler of the Year for the 2025/26 season by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.

At the age of three, Olliver first stepped aboard his grandpa’s boat and discovered the one thing that would help shape his future.

Since then, Olliver has accumulated numerous club, New Zealand and world records, including a world-record yellowfin tuna and a New Zealand record for a kahawai caught on a fly.

This season, he also placed fourth in the New Zealand Junior Sport Fishing National Championships.

His time on the water and skill as a fisherman during the 2026 season helped propel him to the top of his age group.

“I love being on the water. My family introduced me to fishing, and I went with my Poppa as often as I could until my parents bought their own boat back in 2017.

“For me, this is about the challenge and the chase, which involves skill and patience. It’s about the sport fishing experience, not harvesting the ocean for meat,” said Olliver.

This was Olliver’s final year as a “junior” and he faces a new challenge as he moves into the senior category.

“The senior section will be tough, and I think trophies will be harder to come by, but I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

With an interest in marine biology and aspirations to gain experience as a deckhand or skipper, his enthusiasm for fishing extends beyond his own achievements to helping others enjoy the sport just as much as he does.

Olliver is a member of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Youth Council, where he is involved in youth development projects, and is also a Black Magic Tackle Youth Ambassador.

“I love opening up pathways to others so they can experience what I love and help them catch fish.