Friday 24.07.2026
Fishing Report:
Fishing conditions continue to improve, with good numbers of snapper being reported around East and West Stanley Island. If you’re looking for a feed, these areas are definitely worth a look.
There have also been exciting reports of Southern Bluefin Tuna being caught around the Alderman Knolls, which is a great sign as more fish begin moving through our region. If you’re heading offshore, now is the perfect time to have your gear ready and keep an eye on the weather windows.
As always, we’d love to hear how you’re getting on. If you have a successful trip, don’t forget to send us your photos and fishing reports—they’re always great to share with fellow members.
Tight lines and good luck out on the water!
Jim Verner
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of long-time Club member, Jim Verner.
Jim was a valued member of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club for more than two decades and was well known by many within our Club community. He will be remembered for his friendship, support, and the many years he spent as part of the Club.
Our sincere condolences go to Jim’s family and friends during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Membership Renewal Reminder
A friendly reminder that membership subscriptions must be paid by 31 July (next Friday) to receive your renewal credit.
• Family Memberships – Receive a $30 Club card credit
• Single/Senior Memberships – Receive a $10 Club card credit
Don’t miss out—renew by 31 July to enjoy your Club credit.
Nominations for Committee
Nomination forms will be available from Tuesday 28th July and nominations close on 29th August at 4pm. If you need one sent to you, let the office know, otherwise they’ll be available on the bar.
Annual General Meeting & Prizegiving Notice
Put aside Saturday September 26th for the clubs Annual General Meeting and Prizegiving. The AGM will start at 5pm sharp, typically followed by a Presidents’ shout and then we’ll get into the Prizegiving. The evening will finish with the draw for $2500 cash for the Sherriff Drainage Tagging Club. It’s always a great night, we look forward to seeing you here.
Prizegiving Recipients
We’ve just compiled a list of the people we believe are the winners/participants for our trophies. It’s now posted on our home page of our website, or click HERE for the link..
If you think we’ve made any errors, please let us know asap. We want to get this 100% correct before we send the trophies off to be engraved.
Helpers
Looking for helpers this Saturday to help move leaners and tables, from 8am onwards in preparation for the mid winter Christmas function, if you are able to assist it would be very much appreciated.
$70K, Three Swords, and a Chip on Their Shoulder — Mark Phillips & Jason van Esch
‘Get the Net Podcast’
Having caught the winning fish in the Kubota Classic last year, some of our local anglers are becoming a little more famous, click THIS LINK to hear the podcast of Mark & Jason talking about their experiences. This is part one of two, second part comes out this coming Monday night.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
The Winter Tuna Tournament is almost halfway through. We’ve had no albacore caught yet, and the heaviest southern bluefin so far is 79.44kg – a good fish, but certainly beatable. Remember that the legal limit for the number of southern bluefin tuna you can keep is one fish per person per day.
Thanks to the following sponsors: The Stunned Mullet, OKUMA, BONZE Lures, Coastline Excavations, PJ Builders and Kitchen FX
The Heaviest Tuna winner will receive $3,000, plus 20% of the entry pool and a sponsor prize pack, with cash prizes awarded through to 5th place. So far we have had 4 fish weighed so it’s still any one’s game
We currently have no Lady Anglers fish weigh any fish to date for this category, even an albacore could claim the prize.
There has been one fish weighed for a junior angler and is currently leading this category with a 27.82kg bluefin
If you’re heading out chasing the bluefin make sure you put your entry in! Still time to enter CLICK HERE for the entry for or from the Club Office, or at the bar and back yourself!
Mid Winter Christmas Party – Saturday 25th July
A reminder for everyone attending our Mid Winter Christmas Party this Saturday:
Courtesy Van from 4.00pm – Book on 028 411 2845,
Happy Hour: 4.00pm – 5.30pm, Christmas Trivia: 5.30pm, Dinner: 6.30pm, Live Band: From 7.30pm
Don’t forget your Christmas outfit if you’re feeling festive! We look forward to celebrating with you.
Penny’s Christmas Tree
A big thank you to Penny for a fantastic afternoon teaching us how to decorate a Christmas tree. It was wonderful to see around 20 ladies come along to enjoy the fun, creativity, and great company. The finished tree looks absolutely amazing and is a credit to Penny’s talent and eye for detail. Thanks again, Penny, for sharing your time and talents! You can follow Penny on her Penny’s Christmas facebook page
Friday ‘Happy Hour’ 3.00pm to 5.30pm $7 Wines & $7 Beer Pints
• Complimentary snacks from 4.30- 5.00pm
Wednesday 30th July Roast Night Roast Lamb with Vege’s and Salad
Just a reminder membership must be paid to eligible for the club draws and to get the members pricing!
Club Draw – $600 #1467 Philip Wills NC next week: $700
3 Jug Draws $225 Lisa W, Lisa Marie , Annie
Guest Chook Chucker: Mary – 101 Chickens caught!
# 44 Robert off the roof, onto the table, finally caught
#131 Chopper overhead throw, easily taken
# 57 Robert through the fingertips into the wall
#104 Robert high pass, well taken
#110 Robert 1st throw – to high – lucky the window was shut!
2nd throw – another one through the fingers, lucky the bottle was empty!
#95 Damian dropped a sitter – bounced out of his chest
#24 Janice Mary’s own number – easy throw
Tight Lines
Alan
