Despite unfavourable weather conditions, 74 participants took part in the popular Mama Reef Annual Bamboo Rod Fishing Competition held a week ago on Saturday, October 21.

The successful event, sponsored jointly by Federal Pacific Insurance, Cook Islands Tourism, and Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC), who hosted the event, resulted in a total of 198 reef fish being caught, weighing a combined 16.82 kilograms.

In the Mama’s Heaviest Fish Category, Vaine “Mama” Aroita and her parrot fish weighing 247 grams tied with the patuki reeled in by Tuaine Gribble. Both women were awarded a cash prize of $250 and a bar card each.

Aroita, who has been participating in the annual reef competition for several years, showcased her bamboo rod skills once again.

Although the fishing conditions were rough, she was “happy” to get out and get fishing.

“It was a bit rough, but it was a good day. I’m happy with my prizes,” said Aroita.

Keen reef fisher Ashley Chaloner, who is one of the regulars at the annual competition, breezed home with the first place prizes in the Mama’s Heaviest Aggregate and the Mama’s Most Fish Caught categories.

Federal Pacific Insurance has sponsored the annual event since 2021, awarding cash prizes in the Heaviest Fish, Heaviest Aggregate, Most Fish Caught and Best Dressed categories.

Federal Pacific Insurance manager Eleanor Rivera said the event has always been great fun and it is a popular family event for the community.

“It is all about participation for the young and the not so young. And its vision aligns with our company initiative in giving back to our community,” Rivera said.

All the mamas, papas and tamariki (children) took extra care while out on the water and everyone had a “fantastic” day.

Rivera expressed that one of the highlights of the event is that everyone participating is required to dress like a woman, fitting in with the “Mama’s” theme.

To wrap up the event, the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club hosted the Mama’s mu’umu’u island wear and best ei katu competition that evening alongside a live band to entertain the participants and guests. The following women each received $20 and a bar card: Ei Katu - Mii Upu “Mrs Q”, Nukutere William, and Paula Paniani; Best Mu’umu’u - Tokoa Taringa, Roimata Katuke and Tai Katuke.

The Game Fishing Club and weighmaster for the event Julie Karika would like to thank the sponsors and everyone who participated in the fishing competition.

• Melina Etches

Results

Fish species weighed in: 173 patuki, 2 x pakeke, 5 x triggerfish, 15 x parrot, 2 x ku, 2 x eel.

Mama’s Heaviest Fish category: 1^st equal Vaine “Mama” - parrot fish 247g and Tuaine Gribble - patuki 274g; 2^nd Ashley Chaloner - paroko (surgeon fish) 206g - $100.00 cash and bar card; 3^rd Tepou Teauiti -patuki 197g - $50 cash and bar card.

Mama’s Heaviest Aggregate category: 1^st Ashley Chaloner - 40 fish 2999g - $150 and bar card; 2^nd Vaine Aroita - 12 fish 726g, $100 and bar card; 3^rd Tai Katuke - 11 fish 635g, $50 and bar card.

Mama’s Most Fish Caught category - Ashley Chaloner with 40 fish won $100 and bar card; Mama’s Best Dressed category - Alouise Atera who dressed up in a Ninja Turtle Raphael costume taking home $50 and bar card.

Papa’s Heaviest Fish category: 1^st Tutai William - trigger fish 298g, 2^nd Vini Richard - pakeke 190g, Moetu Tangitamaiti - patuki 185g.

Papa’s Heaviest Aggregate category: 1^st Moetu Tangitamaiti - 14 fish 1352g; 2^nd Pinky Teva - 17 fish 1072g; 3^rd Suk Song - 10 fish 752g.

Papa’s Most Fish Caught category - Pinky Teva weighed in 17 fish; Papa’s Best Dressed category - Christian Viniki.

Tamariki Heaviest Fish category: 1^st Raera Richard - pakeke 250g; 2^nd Repaio William - patuki 170g; 3^rd Amosa Mato - patuki 116g.

Tamariki Heaviest Aggregate category: 1^st Repaio William - 11 fish  692g; 2^nd Raera Richard - 4 fish 344g; 3^rd Amosa Mato - 3 fish 113g.

Tamariki Most Fish Caught category - Repaio William caught 11 Fish winning $50; Tamariki Best Dressed category - Ritchie Nga and Amosa Mato shared $50.