Junior Record and Pin Fish
Congratulations to Hunter Nicholson on his Junior Record for 10kg line class with an albacore weighing in at 11.68kg. This is also the first pin fish on light tackle, caught in sponsors grid GSD Construction. Well done Hunter.

FISHING REPORT

Offshore
There are only a couple of days to go in the Pacific Coast Marine and Diesel Top 10 Tuna Competition which finishes on Saturday. There is still time to get out there and get in the top 10 prize list. Congratulations to Xavier Rush for his 50.50kg Yellowfin caught during the week and is currently sitting in first place. That fish was caught in grid “Bodman Fencing”. The Marlin are still quite scarce, and those that have been caught are quite small. I have had reports of better size Marlin being caught out from Whangamata in relatively shallow depths of 75-125m where there has been good bait.

HPAs (High protection areas)
Most will be aware of these new areas, with the ones on both sides of the Alderman’s being the most relevant to the game fishermen. DOC have met with the club to explain the process of enforcement over the summer period. They have been actively patrolling the HPAs both offshore and the Cathedral cove reserve extension, and at this stage when they come across someone fishing they are educating those people that they are fishing in a prohibited area and moving them on. So far, it has been education, but that won’t continue forever with fines being the next steps they will take.
With our offshore tournaments starting soon it is important that you are aware of the HPAs and where you are fishing. There are maps at the club with GPS co-ordinates for these “no go” areas and leaflets you can take away and keep on the boat. There is also a free App called “Marine Mate” which has the HPAs shown on a map. The app uses the GPS in your phone and shows your position relevant to the HPAs so you can easily see if you are getting close to them.

Most of the popular brands of electronics have also updated their charts to show the HPAs. Make sure you download the updates or talk to a marine shop that represents your brand of electronics and they will help.
It is also VERY IMPORTANT that those who are trolling close to the HPAs have their GPS track active and mark the spot you hook up at. If you then get taken into the HPA during the fight and then get approached by DOC you can clearly show where you hooked up outside the HPA. This suggestion won’t necessarily save you from a potential fine, but will help you when you are talking to DOC.

Inshore
Many reports of good Snapper being caught out at the 50m mark between Ohinau and Castle. Sliders, jigs and soft baits have all been producing, with the odd Gurnard showing up as well.
Good Fishing.

Gamebase Radio – Channel 61
Gamebase radio is on in the office (during office hours M-F) and I will be listening out to answer any calls when I can, Anne McIvor has also kindly offered to answer if she hears a radio call. We have enjoyed the chatter the last few days!
Just a reminder the weighmasters phone number is: 02102562849 please call not text as the phone is diverted to the duty manager.

Marlin Stay Recreational Only
Last week the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones, announced he will not be proceeding with proposals to allow the commercial sale of marlin. Thanks to all those that submitted, good result.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events
Entries are open for the following tournaments, please contact the office for an entry form (078664121 or office@mbgfc.co.nz)

Garmin Trailer Boat – 5th – 7th February 2026 (over Waitangi Weekend)
This tournament is shaping up to once again be a huge event, thanks to Garmin and their sponsors! Cash prize money along with some great category prizes are up for grabs.

Thanks to Garmin, the Last Man Standing Draw is a Garmin Electronics Package valued at $5000

Click HERE to submit your online entry, follow the prompts, submit then pay your entry/sweepstakes to the clubs account provided on the entry form.. then you are all done!

And to sweeten the deal, Thanks to Garmin and Dometic we have an Early Bird prize of a portable Fridge Freezer valued over $2000. You must enter before 23rd January. The winner will be drawn on the briefing night. Those that have entered are already in the draw!

Thanks to our Category prizes/sponsors: 2 x $5k Garmin cheques, prizes from Kilwell, Dometic, JL Audio, Daiwa and Yamaha, as well as some cool spot prizes thanks to sponsors Fuel 2U, Whitianga Ice, Whitianga Concrete Pumps, Fish Art, Trophy Hunter, Smith Sunglasses, Just Another Fisherman, Dirty Steve Cleaning Products, Al Brown, Ocean Sports, Opito Salt

Pacific Coast Marine Top Ten Tuna Tournament   13^th Dec – 17^th Jan

Finishes this Saturday 17^th January, prizegiving in the clubrooms at 7pm.  You must be here to claim any drawn prizes. The heaviest to date is a 50.50kg yellowfin tuna and this still beatable!  There is a massive gap in weights between 1^st and 10^th prize so the money is still up for grabs!

 

Ladies Tournament 24^th January 2026

Happening next Saturday!   Registration from 11am and Briefing starts at 6.30pm. There are limited starter packs so if you are thinking about doing this tournament get your entry in to secure your starter pack filled with lots of goodies.

Volunteers for Ladies Tournament

We are in need of some help with the ladies briefing night and prizegiving night  (Friday 23^rd & Saturday 24^th) if you are interested in helping out or assisting one or both days please let me know  07 8664121 or reply to this email. 

 

• 2 people both nights to sell tournament $$

 

• And people to assist with table clearing and chiller fillers

 

Any assistance would be fabulous

 

 

NZSFC Nationals:   21^st February – 28^th February 2026

Click on this link which will take you to the Sportfish Council website https://www.nzsportfishing.co.nz/nzsfc-nationals-2026/

 

We will update with more information and entry form in the next couple of weeks.

 

NZSFC 2026 Nationals shirt orders 

Contact the office before the 23^rd January to secure your order. 

Click on the link to see the 2026  Nationals shirts with pricing included.  click here 

 

 

Working Bee / Marquees put up (note change of date)

We are looking for volunteers this Sunday 18th January to help put up the marquees for the up and coming tournaments.  If you can spare an hour or so to assist please pop down at 9am we would really appreciate it.  Thanks!

Friday Cocktail Join us this Friday for a ‘Margarita’

Roast Night    Wednesday Roast will be Roast Beef with veges/salad $17.50 cooked the old fashioned way!  (not slow cooked)

Raffles 

Thank you to everyone who supports our club night raffles, unfortunately we have identified a trend of discrepancies in raffle money. We are trying hard to purchase a variety of raffles which are value for money and support the club at the same time.  Just a friendly reminder that the raffle price is $3 per ticket – thanks for your understanding.

Club Draw – $1600   #3135  Terri Bates       N/C         Next week $1700

4 Jug Draws $225.00                           Kay, Annie, Shega, Bryn

“Chuck a Chook” Guest Chucker –      Kevin Jackson

#177    Aaron              Low ball throw…  huge catch

#159    Jo                     High throw..  huge drop

#17      Paetyn             Wee bit over confident

#152    Lisa W             Some good hang-time

#172    Lisa W             Foul! Good return!

#129    Elizabeth         Takes home a slightly shredded bird

#190    Reece              Knocked him over but he held on !               

Have a great weekend,

 

Good luck to those fishing in the Pacific Coast Top Ten Tuna Tournament, see you at prizegiving.

 

Caro

Office