Aitutaki Fishermen have hosted the 2022 Platinum 1000 ‘Paru’ Fishing competition last week.

The event was hosted by the Aitutaki Rainforest Men’s Club sponsored by Platinum Cruises Aitutaki and supported by Bishop’s Cruises, both companies provided fuel and cash prizes.

Paru is a deep sea type of fishing method using both rod and handlines, and is the name of a variety of parrot fish that is a delicacy on the island.

A spokesperson for the Rainforest Club Tai Tuaiti (BlackJack) said, although only nine boats entered the competition and the fish were not biting, he was happy with the support and interest provided by the members and the community for the event.

In order to boost the club’s profile, only members were allowed to participate, and in the presence of the Ministry of Marine Resources staff and president of the Aitutaki Fishing Association Clive Baxter.

Due to the success of the competition, it was agreed to host another competition next year, which promises to be even bigger and more exciting, said co-sponsor Teina Bishop.

The event concluded with a sponsored barbeque enjoyed by everyone and obviously many unsubstantiated tales of the “big fish that got away.”

Next week, the Rainforest Club will host the distribution of fishing lines and lifejackets to registered boat members, that were successfully obtained from the Small Fishing Grants Scheme.

The club are indebted to Government and the Ministry of Marine Resources for the gear that will provide an added boost to safety and support for their members.

The Paru Fishing results are as follows. Heaviest fish: 1^st ‘Wet Dreams II’ $300, 2^nd ‘Alone 5’ $200, 3^rd ‘Moonlight’ $100. Heaviest aggregate: 1^st ‘Magnum’ $300, 2^nd ‘Moonlight’ $200, 3^rd ‘Wet Dreams II’ $100.

Unsuccessful boats without catches were awarded consolation prizes.