Fishing communities succeed

Rarotonga has retained the annual Gary Parlour Mahi Fishing Derby, now in its 27th year, as well as the weekend Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Mahimahi Fishing Championships.

The competition is run by the Cook Islands Fishing Club (CIGFC) and the Aitutaki Fishing Club (AGFC).

This year, the Cook Islands’ largest and longest fishing event showcased the resilience and sportsmanship of the participants despite extremely challenging weather conditions.

The two-day event hosted by the Cook Islands Fishing Club attracted a record 46 boat owners to sign up.

The total weight of these 84 fish reached an astonishing 865 kilograms.

Fish for the tournament included five mahi mahi, nine dolphin mahi, 53 yellowfin tuna, 15 bonito, one marlin and one small mahi mahi.

Saturday was the second and final day of fishing, with fishermen facing rough seas and unfavourable weather.

Anglers showed their love for the sport by heading out early in the morning in spite of the wind and rain to chase the biggest dolphin and mahi mahi.

This year’s event not only celebrated the thrill of fishing, but also highlighted the commitment of the fishing community, making it a memorable moment for all involved.

Katoa Piniata caught the heaviest mahi-mahi at 32.5kg aboard Ms Kat, winning a $1,000 cash prize, while Paku Poila landed a 25kg mahi-mahi aboard Manakia, and Papa Tau Teao Tepaki came in third with a 22kg mahi-mahi.

Although dolphin were elusive throughout the event, Simon Marsters landed a respectable 15kg dolphin on Strike Time.

The legendary Papa Dick Masters proved that age is just a number as he became the heaviest fisherman with 143kg, leaving the younger fishermen behind.

Alan Anderson generously donated a brand new Penn 80 Spin Reel to lucky draw winner John James “JJ” Marsters.

The fish were weighed by weigher Julie Tangimetua Karika and her assistant Lana Winders.

Simon Marsters is the 2024 Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Mahimahi champion. He is pictured with Catherine Ben Nicholas (left) and Maine Beniamina. MELINA ETCHES/24082712

Strong winds and heavy rain did not affect the awards ceremony at the Tupapa Cook Islands Fishing Club on Saturday night, which was well attended by a large number of fishermen.

Cook Islands Angling Club President Apii William welcomed the guests from Aitutaki, followed by Aitutaki Angling Club Executive Committee Member Teinakore Riki, who gave a speech thanking the club for the warm reception.

The 100 attendees enjoyed a kaikai with catering, followed by dynamic island music performed by Mahuta Adamu and the band.

Members of the Aitutaki Fishing Club began returning home on Sunday.

Aitutaki will host the 28th^day Gary Parlour and the Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben fishing competition.

result

Gary Parlor Heaviest Wahoo: 1 All Piniata (Subway) – Ms Kat 32.5 kg, $1000 + trophy; 2 Boilers – Maniac 25 kg, $500; 3 Teao Tepaki and Papa Tau – Aitutaki 1 22 kg $250.

Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Heaviest Mahimahi: 1 Simon Marsters (Rarotonga) — Strike Time 15kg $1,000 + trophy; *2nd and 3rd place receive reduced prize money for not reaching the 10kg minimum weight, 2 Boof Mare — Akura 8kg $300; ​​3 Daniel — Reel Irie 5kg $100; 3 Kim — Lady D 5kg $100.

Heaviest other species: 1 Corey Fisher – Reelaxing 57.7kg Yellowfin Tuna $500, 2 Kyle Matheson – Blue Water 53.5kg Yellowfin Tuna $300, 3 Kim – Lady D 51.5kg Yellowfin Tuna $200.

Heaviest total weight: 1 Papa Dick Marsters – Ann Tearoa 143 kg $1000, 2 Tutai William – Yewolea 94 kg $500, 3 Boof Mare – Akura 83.5 kg $250.

Marlin section – 3 Sons 62.5kg marlin $500; weigh-in master mystery weight “7kg” Ngana Nicholas – your price is $150.

Female anglers: Tungane Baxter, Jeneta Baxter, Tai Bond from Aitutaki, and Sheena Vaetoru from Rarotonga all received prizes for their efforts.

Fuel cash prizes – Magken $50, Yewolea $100, Ann Tearoa $50, Mahina $50, Aitutaki 1 $50, Blue Water $100, Te Kiva Nui $50, Mahalo Nui $50.