Fishing competition nets $7.500 for local charities
The annual Western Bay Services fishing competition organized by Western Bay Police Officers has raised $7,500 for this year’s charities St John Ambulance, Wish4Fish and Tauranga Coastguard.
Over 200 anglers took part in the competition which began with a briefing on Sunday, 7 April 2013 followed by three days of fishing. Police officers, family members and friends came from all over New Zealand to fish and partake in the comradeship of the competition.
Unlike last year when high winds prevented any fishing outside the harbour the weather was excellent with calm sea and light winds. This allowed for some excellent fishing with over two tonne of fish weighed in.
Rods and reels were awarded to prize winners in the eight categories of fish, as well as dive vouchers being awarded for the crayfish prize winners. Police committee members did well this year with Rob Everitt catching the largest trevally at 3.37kg and Ross Bielby catching the largest snapper at 8.28 kg. The major prize went to the largest kahawai which this year weighed in at 3.47kg and was caught by Sue Burton who had entered the competition for her first time.
Senior Sergeant Ross Bielby says the committee were pleased to be able to raise enough money to make the donations to such worthy charities. The competition has resulted in donations being made to a range of local charities over the past 20 years. He wished to thank all the local sponsors that supported the competition as well as anglers who gave generously to support the running of the competition.
