While the winter fishing season could be better, the Cook Islands Fishing Association (CIFA) competition held over the weekend saw some good catches weighed in delighting local fishermen.

Kirikava Tutavake onboard Rangi Tu Te Po was thrilled to reel in the heaviest fish of the day – a 33.1-kilogram yellowfin tuna, and the heaviest aggregate of 61.6kg, going home $1700 richer.

Tutavake and crew Joe Metua hooked the yellowfin about six miles out from Avatiu harbour.

“Lately, we hadn’t been catching much out there so Saturday’s catch was good for us and weighing in the heaviest fish was a great bonus … there was good prizes for this competition,” said Tutavake.

“It’s also a blessing from the Lord above.”

Paku Poila missed out on the heaviest fish but was happy to receive $700 cash prize for second place with a 26 kg albacore.

Pauro Arnold was also successful in the competition going home with $700 in prizemoney for third placing in both the heaviest fish and aggregate sections.

Skipper Gordon Heather and crew Adam LaVista, who was all smiles, were both pleased to hook a 132.5kg blue marlin, the only marlin caught on the day.

Forty-one boats registered for the competition that was held in partnership with the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC).

Twenty eight fish consisting of 18 yellowfin tuna, three mahi, four skipjack, and one each paara, albacore and blue marlin were weighed in for a total weight of 433.7kg.

The cash prizes were sponsored by the Fishing Association ($4050) and the Game Fishing Club who gave $1142 cash and bar cards.

The results are as follows. Heaviest Fish category: 1^st Kirikava Tutavake - Rangi Tu Te Po - Yellowfin tuna 33.1kg - $1000 cash, 2^nd Paku Poila - Manakia 3 - Albacore 26kg - $700 cash, 3^rd Pauro Arnold - Hauro - mahi mahi 15.4kg - $400 cash.

Heaviest Aggregate Section: 1^st Kirikava Tutavake - Rangi Tu Te Po - 61.6kg $700 cash, 2^nd Irakau William - Lady Di - 38.9kg $500 cash, 3^rd Pauro Arnold - Hauro - 36.4kg - $300 cash.

Marlin Section - Gordon Heather - Vaihina - Blue Marlin 132.5kg - $250 cash; Mystery Weight 12.7kg, closest Jack Irakau Williams on board Lady Di - $100.00