Rarotonga has retained the annual Gary Parlour Wahoo Fishing Competition, now in its 27th year, as well as the Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Mahimahi Fishing Tournament over the weekend.

The tournament is held between the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC) and the Aitutaki Game Fishing Club (AGFC).

The biggest and longest running fishing event in the Cook Islands showcased resilience and sportsmanship this year despite challenging weather conditions.

A record 46 boatowners registered for the two-day event hosted by the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club.

An impressive total weight of 865 kilogram was weighed in from 84 fish.

Fish Species in this tournament consisted of five wahoo, nine mahimahi, 53 yellowfin tuna, 15 skipjack, a marlin, and an ono.

On Saturday, the second and final day for fishing, fishers faced rough seas and unfavourable weather.

Anglers, braving the elements, headed out in the morning to chase the biggest wahoo and mahimahi, showcasing their passion for the sport.

This year’s event not only celebrated the thrill of the catch but also highlighted the commitment of the fishing community, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.

Katoa Piniata on Ms Kat landed the heaviest wahoo, weighing an impressive 32.5kg, to take home the $1000 cash prizemoney, followed by Paku Poila’s 25kg catch on Manakia and Papa Tau Teao Tepaki came in third with a 22kg catch.

Although the mahimahi were elusive throughout the tournament, Simon Marsters on Strike Time reeled in a respectable 15kg.

The legendary Papa Dick Masters proved age is just a number, leaving the young fishermen behind by claiming the heaviest aggregate with his 143kg of fish.

Alan Anderson kindly donated a brand-new Penn 80 spinning reel to a lucky draw winner, John James “JJ” Marsters.

The fish were weighed in by weighmaster Julie Tangimetua Karika and her assistant Lana Winders.

Simon Marsters is the 2024 Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Mahimahi champion. He is pictured with Catherine Ben Nicholas (left) and Maine Beniamina. MELINA ETCHES/24082712

The wind and rain bursts did not dampen the prizegiving awards on Saturday night at the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club in Tupapa, attended by a great turnout of fishermen.

Cook Islands Game Fishing Club president Apii William welcomed the guests from Aitutaki followed by Aitutaki Game Fishing Club executive member Teinakore Riki’s address expressing their thanks for the warm hospitality they received.

A catered kaikai was enjoyed by the 100 strong attendees followed by groovy island tunes from Mahuta Adamu and band.

Members of the Aitutaki Game Fishing Club started returning to their home island on Sunday.

Aitutaki will be hosting the 28^th Gary Parlour and the Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben fishing competitions.

Results

Gary Parlour Heaviest Wahoo: 1 Katoa Piniata (Rarotonga) - Ms Kat 32.5 kg, $1000 + trophy; 2 Paku Poila - Manakia 25 kg, $500; 3 Teao Tepaki and Papa Tau - Aitutaki 1 22 kg $250.

Goldy Goldie/Ms Ben Heaviest Mahimahi: 1 Simon Marsters (Rarotonga) - Strike Time 15 kg $1000 + trophy; *Second and third places received reduced prize money due to minimum weight of 10 kg was not met, 2 Boof Mare – Akura 8 kg $300; 3 Daniel - Reel Irie 5 kg $100; 3 Kim - Lady D 5 kg $100.

Heaviest Other Species: 1 Corey Fisher – Reelaxing 57.7 kg Yellowfin Tuna $500, 2 Kyle Matheson - Blue Water 53.5 kg Yellowfin Tuna $300, 3 Kim - Lady D 51.5 kg Yellowfin Tuna $200.

Heaviest Aggregate: 1 Papa Dick Marsters - Ann Tearoa 143 kg $1000, 2 Tutai William - Yewolea 94kg $500, 3 Boof Mare - Akura 83.5kg $250.

Marlin section Nga Katuke - 3 Sons 62.5 kg Marlin $500; Weighmaster Mystery Weight “7Kg” Ngana Nicholas - Rangi Tu Te Po $150.

Lady Anglers: Aitutaki - Tungane Baxter, Jeneta Baxter, Tai Bond, Rarotonga - Sheena Vaetoru all received prizes for their efforts.

Fuel Cash Bonus Awards - Magken $50, Yewolea $100, Ann Tearoa $50, Mahina $50, Aitutaki 1 $50, Blue Water $100, Te Kiva Nui $50, Mahalo Nui $50.