2000-2001 presidents report

Extensions to MOSC are complete, it’s been a long hard battle for all three clubs but we are finally there. Now that we have it it’s a timely reminder to everyone what the MOSC clubrooms are about. First and most of all it’s not a pub, its not a yacht club, its not a dive club and just because we have the largest membership its not a fishing club. I know that’s a hard pill to swallow for a few passionate members but that’s the way it is and its not going to change.

MOSC’s primary objective is for members of all three clubs to hold functions, events and to enjoy the comforts of having a beer or two while chatting about the recreations we love. So to those few who think it is a fishing club only, forget it, without the other two clubs we definitely would not have the clubrooms we sit in today.

The fishing season has seen some outstanding catches through all line classes, species and age groups. A number of ladies and juniors certainly excelled throughout the season. Diane Beattie - 12.19kg Snapper on 10, Shirley Dobson - 10.76kg Snapper on 4, Toni Peck - 12.54kg Snapper on 10, Sharyn Hemingway - 9.06kg Snapper on 2 and her 196.2kg Blue Marlin on 24, Jnr Kelvin Conder – 12.06kg Snapper on 10, Jnr Khan Chadban - 22.75kg Yelowfin Tuna on 37, are to name only a few. We also had an array of NZ, World and Pending Records to Ashlee Harris, Kelvin Conder, Troy Hemingway, Shirley Dobson and Sharyn Hemingway.

MMSFC has grown to be one of the largest clubs within NZBGFC and the results speak for themselves, our members now currently hold 7 IGFA World Records, 16 NZ Records and have another 4 pending World Records, that’s something certainly to be proud of.

Support for the clubs premier competition the "McGinty’s Blue Water Classic" was as strong as ever, although fish numbers may have been down a bit from last year, the enthusiasm, competitiveness and social atmosphere certainly made up for it. Being able to hold the briefing and prizegiving in the MOSC clubrooms definitely impacted on the positive attitudes from anglers and sponsors. Having clubrooms large enough to cater for these types of events now will only see all our future competitions and events develop into a stronghold for our membership base.

Our competitions certainly would not be so successful if it were not for the generous support and sponsorship we receive from many local businesses, their dedication to the club is truly appreciated and we look forward to their continued support through the following years

A number of club fishing rules have been altered or added to for the coming season, the most significant are the introduction of an ultra light tackle pinfish section and an increase to the length of recognisable Kingfish. 1,2,3 and 4kg line classes will now be form there own group for a pinfish section. The criteria remains the same apart from some minimum weights imposed for some of the more exotic species. The main reasons to increase the Kingfish minimum length to 1m has arisen from research indicating that the size of maturity for female Kingfish is much larger than 65cm MOF size limit. All clubs affiliated to NZBGFC have agreed to have this increase imposed, by acting now, and asking recreational fishers to help conserve Kingfish NZBGFC and its affiliated clubs will be seen as active and effective. It will also show the depth of our concern. In saying all this Kingfish catches in the Bay of Plenty region have been very good this season.

The past season has seen a lot of emphasis on recreational fishing with the soundings document, I hope everyone has taken this seriously, this will have direct impact on whatever we can do as fisherpeople in the future. Like all affairs passed through government it will be a long drawn out process and they are bound to get it wrong, lets just hope that they do listen and the future is made as fair as possible for all involved.

Due to increased consumer prices and putting more money into our club competitions, many general financial expenses have increased slightly this season, however the overall result is that the club again remains in a strong financial situation. For the foreseeable future I cannot see the need for any increase to the yearly subs. This has been Barbara’s baby for a few years now and as Barbara is not seeking re-election this coming season it will be a great challenge for someone new to pick up the whip and keep it cracking.

Finally this is my last year as president, I’m not seeking re-election as I think the role should change around every couple of years to keep the club healthy, vibrant and fresh. I have totally enjoyed everything I’ve done within the club in the past 8yrs and can honestly say that everything I’ve acted on was for the good of MMSFC and within the best interests of sportfishing in general. I hope to be involved for a few more years to come but in a lesser role to allow me more time with my family.

I would like to thank the Committee, MOSC Directors, Newsletter Administrator (Brenda) and all the members of the club for their help and support throughout the season. Thanks must also go out to the families of those on committee, especially to my wife Sharyn and my two sons Brad and Todd, many hours are spent away from home attending meetings or club business and it is often the families that suffer.

My thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones throughout the past year and I extend best wishes and a safe start to all for the new season, tight lines.

Mark Hemingway

President