Counties Sport Fishing Club recently ran their annual Marlin Money competition – a one-day fishing comp on Auckland’s West Coast between Raglan north head and Kaipara south head.

Each boat registered for $120, and $100 of that entry fee went straight into the prize pool.

There were two prizes only - heaviest Marlin and most tagged.

There were also spot prizes of Lures and $100 cash envelopes.

After considerable rough weather on the days leading up to the competition, the club was pleased to go ahead on the day with a forecast for Raglan of south-westerly 20 knots, becoming north-east 15 knots in the morning, becoming variable 10 knots in the evening and a moderate south-west swell of two metres easing.

“Teena Tuna” with Brocky, Simon Bullivant and Shane Coulter on board were the first boat of the day to tag and release a striped marlin.

With a total prize pool of $3100, the boys were hopeful that they might scoop the pool.

This was not meant to be, however, as Junior angler Dion Watts on board “LAW” tagged his first ever Marlin.

The pool was now split between Teena Tuna and LAW, with proof of catch required via digital image.

Lucky angler Leon Rossouw, on board “Snowdrop”, boated his first striped marlin.

Caught on a 37kg line, this Marlin kept his angler entertained when the harness broke, followed by the rod snapping in two.

Leon carefully reeled in the line until Craig Dear was able to grab the leader.

This ended up being the only weighed fish at the comp, scooping the section at 94.

6kg.

A bit about the clubThe Counties Sport Fishing Club has been in action since 1989.

It was started with the aim of supporting safety awareness on the West Coast, Manukau Harbour and river bars, to promote conservation and friendly competition.

Having the club is also a way to keep members up-to-date with new techniques and happenings within the fishing world.

They have their own VHF channel #5, with the repeater being situated on the Port Waikato hills, which gives the users a wide coverage area.

 They are a member of the I.

G.

F.

A, NZSFC and the Pacific Ocean Research foundation.

The club holds several NZ records, and the current membership is around 700.

Up-coming eventsThe ladies premier fishing event “Fish’n chicks” is the next competition on the calendar for the club.

On Saturday, March 3, the girls will be heading out on Auckland’s West Coast, the Manukau Harbour or the Waikato River.

With inshore and offshore categories and awesome prizes up for grabs, it is set to be an exciting competition.

The “Counties Classic” coming up on March 16-18 is another premier event for the club.

This comp allows anglers a stay-away day, giving them a chance to travel further to catch that prize-winning fish.

There are major gate prizes drawn daily, free camping for anglers, an auction, and a live band on the Saturday night.

For more information check out the Counties Sports Fishing Club web page or Facebook page.