Twenty-seven boats registered for the final Cook Islands Game Fishing Club tournament of the year over the weekend.

Master fisherman Papa Dick Marsters proved he still has what it takes to land monster catches after claiming the heaviest fish category title at the annual Bond Store Lion Red Group Fishing Competition which was held on Saturday.

Marsters reeled in a decent sized yellowfin tuna weighing in at 43.5 kilogram on his trusty boat “3 Sons” to win the heaviest fish prize.

Landing a decent sized haul of 83.2kg, young Gavin Henderson went home with the heaviest aggregate title.

The competition also saw two blue marlins weighed in by skipper Tangi Akama.

The organisers and participants hailed the Game Fishing Club’s reliable and hardworking weighmaster, Julie Tangimetua-Karika for weighing, noting and photographing the fish caught during the day and at the other competitions this year.

“It’s been really great being part of the fishing competitions, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience and seeing some amazing catches weighed in,” said Tangimetua-Karika.

The organisers also acknowledged the loyal and hardworking fishermen who took part in the tournaments this year despite the high fuel prices.

The president of the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club, Apii William, members and staff would like to wish all the skippers, anglers and everyone all the best for the upcoming festive season and “to keep safe on the roads, be kind and stay blessed”.

The Game Fishing Club members’ only Christmas Party will be held on December 17^th.

The Bond Store Lion Red Group Fishing Competition results are as follows.

Heaviest Fish: 1^st Papa Dick Marsters ‘3 Sons’ yellowfin tuna 43.5kg, 2^nd Tioni William ‘Veiani’ yellowfin tuna 31.9kg, 3^rd Poe Poila ‘Manakia II’ Mahimahi 18.0kg.

Heaviest Aggregate: 1^st Gavin Henderson ‘Extreme’ total 83.2kg, 2^nd Soko ‘Morava’ total 78.9kg, 3^rd Tepaki and Kent Baxter ‘Magken’ total 58.9kg.

Marlin category: 1^st Tangi Akama ‘Lady Simeki” Blue Marlin 253kg, 2^nd Tangi Akama ‘Lady Simeki’ Blue Marlin 96.5kg.

Sponsors Mystery Weight of 19.0kg was claimed by Poe Poila on Manakia II with a Mahimahi weighing in at 18.0kg.