616.5kg of fish caught in Manihiki comp

The Manihiki Fishing Association has staged another successful fishing tournament.

Sixteen boats registered, despite a fuel shortage on the island. The people of Manihiki extend a meitaki korereka to the manager of Manihiki marine Tangi Napara and marine resources secretary Ben Ponia for the drum of petrol, which was distributed in 10-litre increments to all participating boats.

A $500 money tag was moved in the meeting for the heaviest wahoo, and the criterion was that the wahoo weigh 25kg-plus to be in for the prize.

The morning started off with the usual 4.30am devotion by the Reverend Ngarangi Tuakana.

Fishing Association president Toka Toka encouraged everybody to enjoy the day and reminded everybody to be mindful of the rules.

Things got underway, and at sea, the fishermen dropped so much long line that traffic jams abounded, especially amongst those boats that were trolling.

According to one observer the whole tournament was family-oriented – wives waiting patiently for their husbands to return, mothers waiting for their sons and daughters with their floats ready.

The tournament was open to any age and gender.

It is customary in Manihiki that floats are thrown to any returning fishing boats with no fish.

The shape of the float symbolises “zero” fish. However, the papas and some ladies made sure that no floats were thrown – signalling that everyone caught fish.

Papa Solo, the weigh master, could not believe the amount of fish caught. His result showed that there was a total of 616.5kg of fish caught, 32 wahoo (12kg average), 15 yellow fin tuna (15kg average) plus other odd species.

The biggest wahoo prize went to James Kareroa and Rua, the heaviest to Toru and Wireless for a 30kg yellowfin tuna, total aggregate weight to Reverend Tuakana and Tai Teama for 107kg total.

Fisherman of the day went to Tangi Toka, fisher lady to Sonya Tuakana and under 16 champion to Kiripi Wireless. The facetious ‘wasted petrol prize’ went to Ravengakore, ‘last boat in’ to Itama and Nane and ‘stupid captain of the day’ to Ravengakore, who lost six long lines. The youngest participant was seven-year-old Benjami, and oldest was Mataio Johnson, 61, who “reckons he is still young”.

Observers say it was a great day and everybody on Manihiki enjoyed it.

There will be another tournament coming up soon so the people of Manihiki are being advised to keep their eyes on the notice boards.

Meitaki korereka to the sponsors, including Ministry of Marine Resources, Telecom Cook Islands, Papa Enere Puna and Mama Akaiti, Papa Christio and Mama Vavia and Tauhunu Ekalesia, and meitaki korereka to all the mamas who helped out with the big barbecue.