The popular Rarotonga 2024 Tamariki Reef Fishing Competition held last month saw 61 children between the ages of five and 14 years head out to sea, armed with their bamboo rods.

A total of 59 fish were caught, consisting of 40 patuki, three kamutu, 10 trigger fish, four parrot fish, one pipi and one eel, all weighing in at a total of 6432 grams (6.432kg).

The takari (reef fishing) competition that was held on Saturday, January 20 was sponsored by the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club, CITC, Trader Don Tools and the Don Beer family.

The participants were split into two groups: five to 10 years old, and 11 to 14 years.

George George, the CITC brands manager, said: “We were happy to support the kids takiri fishing competition.”

“We can see that the fishing club is encouraging our kids to learn the basics of takari which is beneficial for our young generation and for their parents to have a day out with their kids.”

Mia Mokai (left) came first in the Heaviest Aggregate category for Girls with 632gram catch, and Ngahiramai Robinson managed top prize in the Heaviest Aggregate section for Boys 11- 14 years. They were presented with their prizes by CITC representative Mata Tamarua. MELINA ETCHES/24020521

All the prize winners took home cash, a CITC gift bag, Trader Don fishing gear and school resources.

Although some kids did not manage to reel in a fish and there were a few tears, every child received a drink bottle, chippies, and sunglasses. The non-winners also had the opportunity to select a prize from the table.

A sausage sizzle kept the hunger pains at bay and ice blocks kept the children hydrated.

The weigh master for the day was Julie Tangimetua Karika.

This Saturday, February 17, the Gordon Murray Memorial Fishing Competition will be held.

The Gordon Murray Memorial Fishing Competition is the only event where fish is permitted to be caught by spearing, poito or rod and reel.

• Melina Etches

Results

In the five to 10 years heaviest fish category boy’s section: Michael Joe Shepperd took out the heaviest fish with a 320-gram trigger fish, Ezra Best came in second with his 224g trigger fish; Girls Heaviest Fish - Anaia Taura took 1^st prize for her 233g kamutu, with Temutu Wichman second with her 219g trigger fish.

In the five to 10 years Aggregate Boys section, Buck Isaac took first prize for his 221g catch, and last year’s champion Richie Toa came in second with his 204g; Aggregate Girls 1^st Tetia Richard, 2^nd Genesis Vaetoru - 244g.

Heaviest Fish Boys 11 – 14 years: 1^st Repaio Williams - 731g, 2^nd Ngahiramai Robinson - 240g: Heaviest Fish Girls 1^st Athylene Savage - 291g, 2^nd Mia - 290g.

Heaviest Aggregate Boys 11- 14 years:1^st Ngahiramai Robinson - 363g Corben Teinaki - 219g; Heaviest Aggregate Girls 1^st Mia Mokai - 632g, 2^nd Athylene Savage - 441g.

Most Fish Caught: Boys - Ngahiramai Robinson – 5 fish (2 patuki, 2 triggerfish, 1 parrot; Girls - Tetia Richards - 10 fish (9 patuki, 1parrot).