Past Competitions

2025

The Northland Anniversary Weekend saw the annual Ray White Classic Fishing Contest and Auction take place again.
 
Despite the weather conditions, people turned out in good numbers for both the competition and the auction
The fish weighed in across all categories were more plentiful than expected and Saturday’s heaviest 3 Snapper all topped 20 lbs. Sue Shepherd won the day with a 9.83 kg or 21.68 lbs effort to take the top prize.
Sunday was for the hardy, with one crew certainly shining bright. A win for one of the ladies and a joint share of the cash prize for the average weight across the competition, the Turnbull family spent plenty of time on stage.
 
The hard luck story of the weekend was the weather and tide claiming one truck on the “Ninety”, otherwise everyone returned home with smiles and some great stories for the year to come.
 
Our grateful thanks to all our sponsors, ticket venues, suppliers and volunteers for enabling the event to go ahead. This includes support from the Te Hiku Community Board.
 
The preliminary auction numbers reflect the outstanding effort of Auctioneer Gary Steed over both days and the rest of the auction team lead by “JT”.
 
Our local Lions ran the weigh-in again in some trying conditions and Mike Pooley kept the camera clicking (see photos in the gallery) and the sound system tuned in.
 
As always, the Eastern Rugby crew stood tall with the set up and break-down along with opening the clubrooms for all to use.
 
Finally, to everybody who fished and generously gave of your hard-won bounty, brought fish at the auction or just enjoyed a couple of days out with us, a very big thank you for your support.
We look forward to doing it all again in 2026!

2024

The Doubtless Bay Fishing Contest and Auction was successfully held again over the Northland and Auckland Anniversary weekend 2024 with increases in both contestants and auction attendees.

On the competition side the winners for the overall average weight fish categories were:

  • Snapper – John Collings
  • Kingfish – Daniel Jecentho
  • Crayfish – Dwayne Kitchen

The heaviest snapper caught over the weekend weighed in at 11.2kg and was caught off the rocks at Taipa Point by Bruce Rapene.  The top lady angler was Kayleigh Turner who weighed in a whopping 10.18 kg snapper, not only a personal record but as she said “even bigger than my dad’s best”. Well done Kayleigh and let’s hope Dad steps up next year.

A highlight of the weekend for many would have been the little man who was a little slow to start the run to the stage when the children were called up to collect the unclaimed spot prizes. As the melee of children dispersed, he was left to turn and trudge back to his parents with disappointment etched on his face and a quivering bottom lip. The quick-thinking MC grabbed a left-over prize and with the aid of the crowd turned the boy around to return to the stage. His disappointment was replaced by the widest grin as he raced back and, to the cheers and clapping of the crowd, received his reward.

This is truly the essence of this family and community event.

Enormous thanks to all the competitors, including those who bought tickets even if they were unable to fish. And to the hard-working volunteers especially

  • Friends of Lake Ohia Community Hall
  • Mangonui Volunteer Fire
  • Mangonui Lions
  • Eastern Rugby Club

Thanks to FNDC for their support, the naming sponsor Ray White, along with all our other sponsors, suppliers and ticket selling venues.  The event would never have been the success it was without you.  Please support them wherever you can.

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