Deep history for Tauranga club

Waterline will be hooking up with fishing and angling clubs in the Bay of Plenty and further up and down the coast - finding out what’s beneath the surface at the establishments. 

This week, Waterline is talking with Tauranga Sport Fishing Club. 

Tauranga Sport Fishing Club has been around for over 90 years, but only recently has been based in Tauranga. 

The club was first set up in Opo Bay also known as Southeast Bay on Mayor Island in 1922 before being relocated in the 90s. 

TSFC manager Grant Holley says originally a group of local businessmen got together wanting to boost tourism in the Bay of Plenty 

Opening the deep-sea fishing club on the island did sotourists came from all over the world to target big game fish in the fertile waters. 

It is one of the first five fishing clubs in New Zealand, it was a rich man’s sport back then though, Grant says.  

The Tauranga based club was then reopened December 7, 1991 at Sulphur Point. This gave access to more anglers in the region and memberships flourished for the club. 

Grant says the club currently has about 2500 members.  

"We have a lot of families and kids at the club, also a lot of people from the Waikato because it’s a close drive." 

Being a member at the club means you not only get to enjoy the views and wine and dine at the club, but also means tournaments, club draws and seminars throughout the year. 

Competitions are on most months covering everything from snapper to marlin and also some specifically for the kids. 

The club is affiliated with NZSFC and IGFA, which means that all members can weigh fish in for possible New Zealand and world records.  

Grant says most anglers try and get the first and heaviest titles for marlin - "they are the most sort after titles, if they don’t get the NZSFC title, they can go for the heaviest billfish club title." 

The club is also involved with the ’Wish for Fish’ trust, which takes less able-bodied people on the water fishing. 

"When you go fishing it’s relaxing, and the camaraderie that goes with it is great," Grant says. "It’s awesome they get to experience it. 

With numerous extensions to the club over the years there is not much left for the club to do. Grant says the focus for the future is to keep providing a family friendly environment, jam-packed full of things to do for members.


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