Nationals 2007

The best time to have a contest is when there are plenty of fish. Historically we hit it right almost every year with the timing of the Nationals. February is the month when we record the most captures of marlin and tuna during their southern migration and where the weather is most settled to get the maximum number of fishing days out and beyond in the search for prized fish. Not that you would have to travel far because at this time of the year the marlin especially are very close in around wide open bays and headlands of both coasts of the upper North Island.  So from February 17-24^th  2007 the NZ Big Game Fishing Council will have its annual Nationals Tournament, a contest that spans eight days with continuous fishing time from start fishing on the first day to final reporting to record captures on the last day.

The contest is unique because contestants can fish anywhere in New Zealand’s waters, report to any active weigh station from any affiliated club. This allows great scope of fish that can be caught and suitable areas to catch them. We will have clubs and their membership fishing for national honours from the very bottom of the South Island including Fiordland to the very top of the North Island including the Three Kings Islands and the banks that surround them. More than 1400 anglers are expected to compete for over 160 different awards in 14 sections. Species sought vary from the snapper to broadbill with plenty to choose from to find a niche in the contest that suits all forms of game fishing and boat sizes. In fact this contest can even be fished by land based anglers and a number will do so.

There are no material prizes and entry is only $25 per angler, a big factor in making the contest popular. Anglers, teams and clubs are seeking national honours and the right to be called champion for the year. There are some notable trophies at stake but the highly contested title of champion angler/team for each species and champion club overall are what drives anglers to compete. That and the abundant fish and good weather that February brings, just makes it a great time to go fishing.

For full detail check the NZBGFC 2007 year book or visit on line www.nzbgfc.org.nz