Friday 13.03.2026
Fishing Report
Offshore
The bad weather has made the start of the Kubota competition a bit tough for some teams, who opted to wait until Friday to venture out. However, some teams braved the conditions on day one and the results have been impressive. The highlight being the magnificent 384.9kg Black Marlin landed by the team from “Corblimey”, a local trailer boat. Congratulations to the angler Jason van Esch and skipper Mark Phillips. A huge effort in rough conditions. Also, thanks go to the crew from “Sea Horse” who assisted to get the fish on board. Also weighed have been a couple of Yellowfin. I’m sure we will see a lot more fish caught and tagged once the full fleet get out there over the next few days.
Inshore
This last week has seen some great Snapper fishing. Out on the sand in 50-60m with sliders and soft baits has been producing good results. One boat “filled the bin” using sliders South of Ohinau in 55m. Also, good reports of Snapper being caught around the Islands stray lining in the mornings and evenings. One boat got a limit of nice Snapper in less than an hour. King fish also being caught on both trolled lures and baits around the mercs.
Good Fishing…
Men’s Club Record
Jason van Esch’s Black Marlin is a Men’s Club Record on 37kg line, a massive achievement and a lifetime catch. The record for this line class has been held since 1994, that’s 32 years! Congratulations, to both Jason and Skipper Mark Phillips. Caught in sponsors grid Gull Whitianga.
Kubota Billfish Classic
As mentioned in the fishing report, the weather had not played its part thus far with a lot of boats still sitting here in the bay the last couple of days, the weather window is looking better for today and Saturday so we will see a lot of boats heading out. Good Luck to all our members participating in the tournament!
For those members that wish to watch any fish being weighed, the weigh station has a grandstand at the reclamation land (by the big tents) and will be open Friday from 3-7.30pm and 2 – 5pm on the Saturday. There may be catches weighed outside of these hours so keep an eye on the Kubota Billfish Classic Facebook for updates.
Clubrooms will be open from 2pm Friday and Saturday. Look forward to seeing you.
Offshore Power Boat Racing – 21st March 2026
Friday 20th March, pop down to the club for a meet and greet with the drivers and organisers of the Offshore Power Boats to talk all things boat racing
The Offshore Power Boats are back and racing is on Saturday 21st March
The organisers are looking for patrol/marker boats and marshalls on the water, so if you want to see the action up close and are you able to assist please contact Jason Way either by email Jason@2way.co.nz or mobile 02171107
There is also the chance for boaties to enter a Nominated Speed Racing event on the day, where anyone can enter. You don’t need a race boat, just a capable boat and the confidence to put it on the line in a class where skill beats outright horsepower.
Check out their Facebook page New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing to know about all the action on the water!
Check out their Facebook page New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing to know about all the action on the water!
Hunting & Fishing Junior Tournament and Youth Nationals
Entries are open!! – Good Friday 3rd April – 18th April, 2026
Thanks to the Team at Hunting & Fishing Whitianga for sponsoring such a great event. There is a gate prizes of $10,000 worth of equipment and goodies for just entering! All anglers will receive a starter pack worth over $40
Different age group categories for prizes and a land base category has also been introduced this year.
Only $40 per angler (this includes entry into the Youth Nationals)
Download the entry Form click on link here and rules click on this link HERE FOR RULES
Or.. pop into the office, bar or Hunting and Fishing Whitianga to get an entry form.
Registration will be at the clubrooms 11am – 6pm Thursday 2nd March.
Ladies Blue – ends 30 April 2026
If you are in the Kubota Billfish Classic and not entered in this comp – you can still participate in this comp as it is running until the end of April, so plenty of time to get the fish/s needed to nab some prize money and the gorgeous trophies on offer for this tournament.
Many Thanks to Stoney Creek all participants who tag and release a fish will receive a T’shirt.
We would also like to thank Steve and Michelle from Besafe Supplies for their generous support of this tournament.
Entries and Rules can be found on our website or pop into the office.
Only $100 per angler! How easy is that!
Friday Cocktail Join us this Friday for a limoncello spritz or two!
Roast Night Wednesday Roast will be Roast lamb with veges/salad $20.00
Weekend Sport on The Big Screen – Lots of options to choose from and it is always good watching on the big screen!
Come on down for a beverage or two and treat yourself dinner while you are here!
DHL Super Rugby Pacific
Friday 13th March 7.05pm Hurricanes v Force
Saturday 14th March 16.35pm Drua v Brumbies
7.05pm Crusaders v Highlanders
Sunday 15th March 15.35pm Blues v Moana
NRL – Round 2
Friday 13th March 8pm Warriors v Canberra
Saturday 14th March 5pm Tigers v Eels
7.30pm St George v Melbourne
Sunday 15th March 6.05pm Sea Eagles v Knights
