Welcome to the September Edition of the Waikato Sport Fishing Club Newsletter.

Firstly congratulations to our annual Trophy winners. It's fantastic to celebrate the achievements of those doing the sport we love. Whilst we all know that in fishing we'd rather be lucky than good, we also know that the harder you work the luckier you get. Some of these trophies have taken years to achieve and are a delicate blend of Luck and hard work for everything to come together. So congratulations for all that achieved their goals.

We also have a somewhat refreshed committee, With myself as President, Mark Olsen as Vice President, Kerrie Pollock as Secretary, Ant Higgs as Treasurer, Katelyn Olsen as Records officer, and Stephen (Baxter) Baxter, and Scott Pritchard and Murray Loye joining committee at this AGM. Thanks to all of you for stepping up. Myself Mark, Ant and Kerrie have signaled that we'll stick around for another year then we've well and truly done our bits. So start thinking about what you can contribute over the next 11 months.

We've also made our first decisions already. We've decide that we will not run the One Base next year, on the basis that numbers have been declining over the last few years and it now makes a financial loss for the club. We don't necessarily need to make a profit on our comps they are for the benefit for our members, its not good to be making a loss.

Instead we're delighted to announce that we'll that we'll be adding Gamefish Species of Billfish and Tuna (No Sharks) to our Summer Champs this year. The working brief at this stage is that inshore species like Gurnard, Snapper, Kahawai, Trevally and Kingfish will be measured, and the Gamefish will be weighed. Photos of measured fish and catch cards for weighed fish will be interred in our sporty app as we have done so for the Winter Champs. The new Summer Champs format will run from December 1st through to February 28th with a prize giving to be held at our March Club Night. We'll charge $50 and you must be a member of our Club or an NZSFC affiliated club to enter. TBH I'm quite excited about it, it will be a unique format that will really suit the needs of our Members. If you have ideas about how to make it better get in contact with me or one of the committee.

Moving on to our Next Club night on October 8th we'll be revealing the winners of the Winter Champs with our Prize giving. As is our custom we'll advise the winners ahead of time so please put a circle around this date and come along for what should be a great night.

Our Shelly Beach Family Comp weekend is all go for the later than usual date of November 8th as previously announced. Its shaping up to be a great weekend, I can't wait!

Our November Club Night on November 12th will now be the Briefing night for the Summer Champs, you will be able to enter online or on the night.

Our December Club Night will be the Coast Guard Bar Crossing Seminar and Game Fishing Primer with some awesome guest speakers being lined up as I write this.

So that's it from me for now. Make sure you circle these club night dates on your calendars there's some cool stuff coming up that you won't want to miss!

Cheers

Bob

Heaviest Fish Awards

Heaviest Gurnard: 0.85 kg – Whirinaki Maniapoto
Heaviest Trevally: 1.044 kg – Ollie Lyttle
Heaviest Kahawai: 2.88 kg – Katelyn Olsen
Heaviest Albacore: 3.85 kg – Sean Brinkworth
Heaviest Skipjack Tuna: 3.77 kg – Scott Pritchard
Heaviest Kingfish: 19.13 kg – Rex Moller
Heaviest Snapper: 9.78 kg – Phil Winter
WSFC Heaviest Snapper: 9.78 kg – Phil Winter
Heaviest Snapper (Junior): 2.528 kg – Ollie Lyttle
Heaviest Yellowfin Tuna: 53.5 kg – Lachie Anderson

Special Achievement Awards

Great Gurnard Hunt: 44 cm – Geoff Preston
First Raglan Tuna: 22/02/2025 – Lachie Anderson
Most Meritorious Catch Ladies: Katelyn Olsen, Tag & Release Bronze Whaler, estimated 50–60 kg
Most Meritorious Junior: Lachie Anderson, 53.5 kg Yellowfin Tuna on 24 kg line with a broken arm
Ladies Most Species: Katelyn Olsen (4 species—Snapper, Kingfish, Kahawai & Bronze Whaler)
Men’s Most Species - Bob Gutsell (5 species -Marlin, Snapper, Thresher Shark, Trevally & Kahawai).
Most Meritorious Senior - Scott Pritchard T&R 2 Striped Marlin.

Points Achievements

Most Points for a Single Fish, Junior: 222.91 points (Yellowfin Tuna) – Lachie Anderson
Most Points for the Season, Individual Junior: 222.91 points – Lachie Anderson
Ladies Most points for a single fish - Katelyn Olsen 100 Points T&R Bronze Whaler.
Most Points for a single Fish - 3 anglers on 600 points. All T&R Striped Marlin. Scott Pritchard, caught on 18th Jan. Bob Gutsell caught on 6th Feb. Mark Bennett caught on 14th March
Most Points Individual Angler, Scott Pritchard 1541 points. Caught a Snapper 5.82 Kg on 2kg line. Tag & Released 2 Striped Marlin and 1 Kingfish.

Billfish and Marlin Awards

First Raglan Marlin (T&R Striped Marlin): 18/01/2025 – Scott Pritchard
First Billfish of the Season (T&R Striped Marlin): Scott Pritchard
Boat with First Marlin: De Saraphanie

Old Man of the Sea 2025: Scott Pritchard

Top Boat Points 2025: De Saraphine – 2241 points

Shelly Beach 2025

The much-loved annual WSFC Shelly Beach Family Fishing Tournament is returning this year and will be held on Saturday 8th November. We encourage everyone to mark this date on their calendars. Hosted by WSFC at the Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, the competition offers a wonderful opportunity for families and fishing enthusiasts to spend a weekend together in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Prize Categories

Snapper
Kahawai
Heaviest Other Sports Fish

In addition to individual species categories, there will be an Overall Average Snapper prize awarded.

Entry Categories and Fees

Adult Member: $25
Adult Non-Member: $35
Small Fry (up to age 10 as of 1st July 2025): $5
Junior (ages 11-16 as of 1st July 2025): $10

Entries can be submitted via the button below or at the venue on Friday night prior to the event.

Event Schedule

Start Fishing: 5:00 am, 8th November
Weigh-In: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm (must be in line by 5:00 pm)
Prize Giving: 6:30 pm

Following the prize giving, participants are invited to enjoy a BBQ dinner featuring homemade burgers, with ice cream served for dessert. These meals are included in the entry fee, and non-entrants are welcome to join for $5.

We look forward to welcoming you to an enjoyable and memorable family fishing competition at Shelly Beach.

Shelly Beach 2025 Entry Form

Having safety equipment on board a boat is essential for ensuring the well-being of everyone on the water. Unexpected situations such as sudden weather changes, equipment failures, or medical emergencies can arise at any time, and being properly equipped can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening crisis. Prioritising safety means you are better prepared to protect yourself, your passengers, and others, making every boating trip safer and more enjoyable.

Make sure you have at least the below every time you go out:

One lifejacket per person – fit for purpose and the right size, preferably with a crotch strap - plus spares if needed
At least two forms of waterproof communication devices (VHF radio fixed or handheld, make sure you know how to use it! mobile phone in waterproof bag)
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)/Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). One or both, which one is best for you?
Navigation tools
Signaling equipment. A means to signal others when the worst happens- VHF radio, mobile phone, emergency beacon(s), horns, flares, torch, whistle. There are tons of ways to signal others.
Anchor (including chain and rope). This to use in an emergency.
Bailing system, a bucket or other container that can quickly put water back where it needs to be. We need to keep water out to be stable and not sink.
Extra fuel – remember the rule of thirds: 1/3 to get you there, 1/3 to get you back and 1/3 spare
Flares – know what type and how to use them
Rope and a spare – a strong throw/tow line
Boat hook
Secondary propulsion – an auxiliary engine or a paddle
Food and water
Throwing line
Warm clothing, spare clothing
First aid kit
Waterproof torch
Alternative power (spare outboard, oars, or paddles)
Fire extinguisher
Toolkit – including a spare spark plug and spark plug spanner
Make sure you have a Coastguard Membership - we'll have your back out on the water whenever you need us.
Coastguard app – for up to the minute weather info and more
Spare bungs
Knife
Anchor – 1.5kg per meter of boat
Spare engine parts – make sure your engine has been serviced recently
Sunblock

Prep a grab bag of emergency gear

Assemble a floating ‘grab bag’ with all the essential emergency gear you'll need if you have to abandon your boat. The bag should include:

Emergency distress beacon (EPIRB) or flares
Waterproof VHF radio
Whistle/torch

Make sure this is somewhere you can quickly grab it in an emergency.

Good to have

Bilge pump
Charts and compass
GPS
Secondary anchor in case something happens to your main one
Sea anchor
Depth finder

Now do you know what to do with all that gear? Before you head out check out the Day Skipper course and Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate course.

These guidelines do not constitute a full set of information on safe fishing practices. The WSFC encourages its members to undertake safe boating education, as offered by Coastguard.

Renewing your WSFC membership keeps you part of a network of passionate fishing individuals. Enjoy exclusive discounts, newsletters, fishing competitions and stay updated on events and news.

Membership Benefits

We hold monthly club nights which include guest speakers, demonstrations, fun games and the opportunity for a good old chat with fellow club members
Receive a monthly newsletter
25% discount off WSFC Hall Hire (terms and conditions apply)
Membership card will provide you with visitor access to affiliated clubs
Club Tournaments and Family Fishing Weekends away
Free entry to our Winter Challenge
Enter affiliated clubs fishing tournaments
Affiliation to the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and International Game Fishing association.
10% off at Hamilton, Cambridge and Matamata (opening soon) Hunting & Fishing when you present your WSFC Membership. The discount applies to all items in store but excludes items already on special, electronics, firearms, ammunition, game and electric fishing combos.

Memberships are valid 1 July 2025 to 30th of June 2026.

MEMBERSHIP FEE'S

Adult: $40

Family: $90
(2 adults and up to 4 children 16 years and under as at 1 July 2025)

Junior: $10
(16 Yrs and under as at 1st July 2025)

Student & Transitional: $20
(any one 16 to 21 years old).

Our membership cards are now issued digitally . Upon completing your registration, you will receive immediate access to your digital membership card. This card can be accessed through the Sporty App, which should be downloaded to your mobile device.

The Sporty App allows multiple cards to be added therefore Junior membership cards can be added to their caregivers app. Once you have installed your PhotoCard it will also work when the phone doesn’t have a data plan or isn't connected to the internet.

To register for the WSFC 25/26 season complete our membership form below

WSFC 25/26 Membership Form

WSFC Newsletter September 2025

Life Membership Awards

WSFC Members receive 10% off Hamilton, Cambridge and now Matamata Hunting & Fishing

Heaviest Fish Awards

Special Achievement Awards

Points Achievements

Billfish and Marlin Awards

Shelly Beach 2025

Prize Categories

Entry Categories and Fees

Event Schedule

Safety First

Boat Safety Equipment

WSFC Event Calendar

Limited Edition WSFC T-Shirts

WSFC 25/26 Membership Registration

Membership Benefits

MEMBERSHIP FEE'S