With favourable wind and sea conditions an elite fleet of vessels and sport fisherman assembled themselves for a tournament that tested boats, minds bodies, and souls. The Maverix six kilo International Fishing Tournament is a one base Snapper, Kingfish sport fishing event held at Gulf Harbour , Whangaparaoa. One hundred and twenty one anglers gathered to test their skills against each other. As the tournament progressed, it is was clear that this is no ordinary fishing contest.
The crews came from all over New Zealand to compete in this prestigious event, their boats loaded with live baits, burley and an array of baits. All the anglers got their reels spooled with matching six kilo mo moi line that was provided by Gourock NZ.
Day one with light northerly breezes proved no exception as the anglers returned with superb catches of prime Hauraki Gulf Snapper up to 10.055 kilos caught by angler Greg Hill, not to be out done was the Kingfish section, when angler John Nightingale returned with his catch of 23.066 kilos being a new Tournament record. These two fish set the standard for the other competitors. After dining at the Club House and prize giving all the teams headed back to sea now knowing what they had to beat. Steaming through the night to the outer Gulf ready for the morning session. Hoping it will be their turn to be on the podium. By Saturday the weather had turned for the worse, an ugly Northeasterly up to 35 knots was baring down on the Gulf with sea mounting up to four metres thus fishing became a lot harder. Big waves and strong winds do not make for good fishing, but as always luck shines upon a few. The crew from Utter Chaos were fortunate to hook into some big Snapper off Cape Barrier. Angler Phil Rutten had a nervous wait as the vessel had mechanical problems on returning to the weigh in his 10.550 kilo Snapper proved big enough to clinch the trophy from Greg Hill .
As the vessels returned, stories of big seas and high winds abounded with one vessel assisting in a mayday situation off Little Barrier Island, that was not in the event. With all crews accounted for, the final nights celebrations could proceed with prize giving high on the agenda after a superb spit roasted meal cooked on location.
With the main trophies already decided it was down to the Cash Jack pots and of course the average catch. One lucky angler would soon be on their way to tropical Fiji Flying Air Pacific staying at the Five Star Outrigger resort. This highly sort after prize was won by Lewis Mc Connell after only fishing the event for second time. Sponsors products in the Tournament bags form Inox, Momoi, the anglers were well stocked for the tournament. We wish to thank Brother, Raymarine, The Bait Station, Casio, Bluebird, NSK, Air Pacific, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Gulf Harbour Marina, Gourock NZ.
Without the support of these great companies events like this could not function. The sporting spirit of the anglers was clearly evident as the Tournament proceeded with the anglers vowing to return for the challenge in 2009. Organizers Rex & Lynette Smith from Maverix Rods were delighted with the turn out and the results, encouraging the words from the competitors will ensure the event endures into the future.
