Ten years of fishing glory

The PlaceMakers and Wattyl-joint-sponsored event attracted 117 boats and 453 keen anglers from Te Kuiti, Hamilton, Morrinsville, Huntly, Pukekohe, Thames and host-town Whitianga – all bent on proving their fisherman’s worth!

“It’s incredible to see how much it’s grown,” says bricklayer Phil Coombes, a longtime PlaceMakers customer, who initiated the tournament with friend Greg Blank, formerly of PlaceMakers.

“We came up with the idea while fishing out at Cooks Bay around 14 years ago. It started with about ten guys and five boats, then PlaceMakers signed on as the main sponsor and organiser ten years ago – now it’s one of the top fishing tournaments in the country!”

PlaceMakers Thames retail manager Yolande Lowe says it’s a hugely fun and popular event with customers.

“The guys start talking about it months in advance,” she says. “They really enjoy getting together for friendly competition, great company and some decent prizes – and we love having them!”

Participants at this year’s two-day event welcomed perfect fishing weather and strong competition in all categories, including the Best Dressed and On The Water Quiz classes.

Taking top honours was Mark Cosgrove from Whitianga with the largest snapper (9.830 kg); Nathan Wilson from Whitianga with the largest Kahawai (2.650 kg); and Anthony Burns from Hamilton with the largest kingfish (23.45 kg).