We all enjoyed three fabulous days of fishing.  The weather was great, the wind was practically non-existent, the rain - hardly worth mentioning (which is always a plus for the campers), and best of all, the fish were biting.

We are very grateful for the sponsorship received from Fogdog Brands Ltd, Auckland;  DeCoro Fishing Supplies Ltd, Mt Maunganui; and Kilwell Sports Ltd, Rotorua.  Without the support of our sponsors it would be very difficult for us to hold the Easter Fishing Competition.

Our regular weighmasters, dear Stan and Doris, couldn’t make it this year due to engine failure at the Bombay Hills.  It was very sad not to have them here, but let’s hope they’re up and running for next year.  Mark and Cathi kindly stepped into the fray and did a fantastic job weighing in over 400kgs of fish.

Although there were only 2 prizes (heaviest snapper and second heaviest snapper) in the boatbased section, some whoppers were caught.  Four snapper weighed in over 6kgs (Jim Cullen 6.96; George McCaw 6.91; Rani Peacock 6.39; Alan Robins 6.01).  Also a couple of magnificent kingfish were caught in the “other species” category (Brian Jones 8.46 and Rani Peacock 7.64).  In the kahawai section Ewan Thompson and Russ Jamieson took the heaviest and second heaviest (2.36 and 2.29 respectively).

Dylan Cullen did extremely well in the children’s section receiving the prizes for heaviest snapper (5.46), second heaviest snapper (4.05), and second heaviest kahawai (2.68).  Tyllah-Rose Rogers beamed from ear to ear when she picked up her prize for heaviest kahawai (2.91).  Cody and Daniel may have to lift their game if they want to outdo their little sister!!

Overhall heaviest snapper and the Anglers Lodge shield, went to Jim Cullen (6.96).  The average weight went to Jonathan Hooker (1.60); and mystery weights to Ron Davy (2.30) and Craig Bedford (1.10).

A special prize was introduced for the best “Hook’em and Cook’em” recipe.  Jill Will produced an outstanding, delicious and innovative recipe using the Fogdog easy batter mix.  Jill called it the “Fogdog Sandwich”. Recipe is posted below the photos.

A big thanks from us to all Anglers Lodge “inmates” who participated in our Easter competition.  Your enthusiasm and comradery made the event extremely enjoyable and a huge success.