September 2021 Export Comp Wrap Up

Since the last update, the competition has seen some healthy movement in a couple of our most competitive leaderboards. One prominent example is Aaron Oliver’s now first place 85cm snapper. Aaron’s fish was plucked from Tasman Bay at the top of the South Island, which is an area that kept North Islander’s on their toes last season (check out Jesse Crasborn’s Champion Angler entries from the 2020-21 season!). Another significant entry was Andrew Graham’s 70cm trevally. Rounded forehead and all, Andrew’s pig of a trevally was pulled in near Great Barrier using a jig. It comfortably sits at first place, with the second-place competitor over 20cm behind.

Last year, we had 86 entries into the competition in September as it’s the time of year where the fishing conditions start to become more favourable. Of these entries, about half were snapper. As many a Kiwi angler will know, spring can provide some exhilarating and plentiful fishing sessions in the sun – something that is warmly welcomed after what can sometimes be a rather uninspiring New Zealand winter. These longer days are a fitting time for all anglers to consider how much fish is needed for the smoker/frying pan/sashimi platter and what can go back into the water to reproduce, or give another keen Kiwi angler the same fight you enjoyed.

And that is the true joy of The Export NZ Fishing Competition! Anglers can choose whether they keep their catch for food or release it to swim another day. As a bonus, there’s also prizes dished out at the end of most months. The most recent prize – a Shimano Big Baitrunner surfcasting setup – went to Ben Subritzky. Congrats Ben!