Labour Weekend Information

The competition runs through from Friday to Sunday.  You may start fishing anytime on Friday once your entry is complete.

You will also be able to enter at the boat ramp from 7 am on Friday and Saturday until about 10 am.

The weigh times are:  Friday and Saturday 4 pm until 5 pm and Sunday from 2pm until 3 pm.

The club will not be open on Friday night.  We will be open Saturday and Sunday from 5.30pm.

Prizegiving is on Sunday at 6pm sharp.

 

Hazards

It is the skippers/boat owners responsibility to ensure they are competent in operating their boat in a

safe manner and have all necessary safety equipment on board

There is a large hole at the bottom of the concrete boat ramp. Avoid this area at low tide. If you

are not familiar with the Waihau Bay haven please study the map at the top of  the ramp before proceeding. There

are rocks in the channel and to the sides.

 

Launching and retrieving – please take care on the ramp and show consideration to other users.

 

Poor weather – check the weather before leaving and be sure you have the skill to safely handle your boat

in the conditions.

 

Observe the 5 knot speed restriction within 200m form shore.

 

A disclaimer must be signed by all skippers who have boats entered into a competition prior to leaving

shore.  If the disclaimer is  not signed by the skipper / owner the competition entry will not be valid.

 

                      Make a trip report on CH65 to local Coastguard.                            

                                                                                               

Equipment all boats must carry

Sufficient life jackets for all on board.

A VHF radio.

Preferably an epirb and/or mobile phone as well.

 

FISHING RULES

Non-offset circle hooks must be used when using live or dead natural baits when targeting any billfish. This rule has been made by the NZ Sport Fishing Council as it is seen to be the responsibility of all recreational anglers to ensure the long term conservation of billfish.

 

1. Each angler must present their own fish for weigh-in, and produce their catch card when presenting their fish to be weighed.

1. Each fish will only be eligible for one prize.  There will be one prize only per angler per species.
2. Only one fish of each species per angler per day will be accepted for weigh-in.  The following are the species and sizes eligible for the tournament;
3. Kingfish   1m                        Kahawai n/a             Snapper  35cm                 Tarakihi  30cm                 
4. Catch Cards are to be in the weigh masters hands by the specified time.
5. The boundaries of the fishing area are Waikawa Point and Lottin Point out to the twelve nautical mile limit.  All boats must return overnight.
6. All fish presented for the weigh-in must be in a fresh condition, i.e. green and ungutted.  Frozen  fish will not be accepted.
7. In the event of two or more fish having equal weight, the first fish weighed in will be deemed the first for recognition in all prize categories.
8. No longlines, nets or craypots to be used. No electric reels to be allowed on a competing boat. Kingfish may be bled and still qualify for prizes and club records however they will NOT qualify for NZ or world records so this is done at the anglers discretion.
9. In the event that the tournament is shortened or postponed there is no refund of entries paid.
10. In the interests of safety, the committee reserves the right to delay, shorten, cancel or postpone the tournament.

             Entrants will be notified of any changes.

1. To collect any spot prizes the winner must be present.  If not present the prizes will be redrawn until struck.
2. Any protests relating to the weight of, or manner of weighing a fish must be made to the official weighmaster before the fish is removed from the weighstation.  The decision of the weighmaster shall be final.
3. Any disputes must be reported to the disputes committee in writing before 9pm of the day of the catch.  The decision of the disputes committee shall be final.
4. The committee reserves the right to inspect or test the line, rods and reels used.  The maximum line weight to be used is 60kg.
5. Radio communication shall be on VHF Channel 65. There is now one sked at 9.15 only. Waihau Bay cover the channel from 9.15 am until 6 pm. Outside those hours please respond to ‘Coastguard Radio’. 

 

 I understand and accept that this contest will involve the launching and retrieval of my boat, the navigation of my boat through the harbour and moored boats. I will then be involved in coastal fishing.

I understand that there is a degree of risk involved in these activities. Underwater obstructions may be present i.e. rocks to side of ramp at low tide. I understand that if I do not exercise sufficient care my boat may be damaged

and/or sunk. Fishing and/or diving in coastal waters also contains potential dangers.

 

By entering into this competition I am aware of and understand the potential difficulties and/or dangers faced in this competition by me and my crew. I have familiarised myself with the area and have taken the steps a prudent skipper and crew should consider necessary in these circumstances. I warrant that I have the necessary experience and skill to handle my boat and crew in these conditions.

 

The Waihau Bay Sports Fishing Club has advised me that it is not liable to me and/or my family and/or members or my crew or to any other person in regards to this event, and that I am relying upon my own skill and judgement and not upon any warranty and/or promise given by the Waihau Bay Sports Fishing Club.

 

 

I also agree that neither the Waihau Bay Sports Fishing Club nor any parties associated with the event shall have any

responsibility, financial or otherwise, for any risk incident that may arise, whether or not by negligence, from any direct or indirect loss, injury or death that might be sustained by me or my crew, from my intended or actual participation in the event or related activities.

 

My accepted entry will not be transferred to another entrant and I accept that in the event of any “act of God” conditions causing a cancellation of the event, my total entry fee is not transferable or refundable.

 

I agree to comply with the event’s rules, regulations and event instructions.

 

I consent to receiving any medical treatment which may be advisable in the event of illness or injuries suffered during the event.