Let the games begin!

It's been a busy year, Bounty Hunter has seen very little action, apart from getting trailer brakes fixed, and a touch up paint job.

This is all about to change - Bounty Hunter is back in Whitianga, and we're about to head there to.

There have been reports of yellowfin in the Bay of Plenty, and some seen behind the Mecury Islands. I suspect there haven't been many boats out chasing them, due to the weather, and perhaps a little less money around to spend on reconnaissance?

Our first trip will probably be in the Tuna Tournament on January 3 and 4. Can't wait!

Houhora Photos

The Drought is Over!!

Well the marlin draught anyway! Yesterday Brian Mac tagged and released a striped marlin estimated at around 90 kg.
Well done Brian and the crew!
The first day of the one base (Sunday) was really rough, so the boys stayed on land. A wise choice, as those going out got well and truly battered!
Monday was a great day, with flat seas and plenty of marlin caught, lots of action.
Today is the last day of the tournament, so will wait and see what eventuates!

Houhora One Base

Brian set off from Whitianga on Wednesday night. He stayed at Great Barrier overnight, then headed to Monganui early Thursday morning. Brian MacCormack took the ute and trailer up by road. They are staying at Pukenue Lodge. Northland is a great place to go, and Brian has enjoyed the One Base up there.

This is the first time he's taken our boat, and the normal Whitianga one base crew is going as well - Stephen Toner, Michael Waite and Brian McCormack. Let's hope the can hook a few marlin - we still haven't hooked one yet!!!!

2008 Classic

What a hard 3 days! As well as the weather being a little rough at times, the fishing was HARD work! There were heaps of bait schools around, dolphins, birds, and even sowry, BUT no marlin for us!!
The winning fish was a mere 116 kg. There were plenty of tag and release, with one boat, Sheer Passion, bringing in a double strike!
Freedom hooked up about 90 minutes before lines out, and weighed a 200 kg Blue marlin, but unfortunately for them later than the cut off. Still I'm sure a thrill for them.
Next mission - the One Base!

Ladies Tournament

The annual Whitianga Ladies Tournament was held on January 26th and 27th. As per usual, the weather was not great, or rather the wind wasn't - a 25 knot Southeasterly, with 3 m swells.

That meant no fishing on the Saturday. But Sunday was slightly better. 15 knot, with the swell easing. The swell was still pretty ugly, and we ended up with sick crew.

We trolled all day, and got absolutely NOTHING, couldn't believe it. In hindsight we should have found shelter and had a snapper fish.

We didn't go home empty handed though. Dawn won a soft bait rod and reel combo, and we won first prize for our flag.

This is our 9th year in the tournament. The tournament has been running for 20 years. One of the ladies who was in the first tournament won it this year with a tag and release marlin. Well done Anne!

Here is the photo of the crew with the winning fish in the MBGFC Tuna Tournament.
(From left) George Gray, Brian Pirie, Bruce Griffiths.

2007 MBGFC Classic and National Tournament.

Julie soon after landing a 137 kg striped marlin in the Whitianga Classic. This fish won the Classic, and came third in the 37 kg lineweight class in the Nationals.

This photo is the winning team with the trophy. Brian, Julie, Danny and Mark.

Tuna Tournament Prizegiving

The Tuna Tournament was held on 5th and 6th January 2008. The first day was rough, many boats chosing to stay in sheltered water. The hardy crew of Brian, George Gray and Bruce Griffiths ventured out and were rewarded with a couple of albacore - then the big one. George caught a 50.4 kg yellowfin tuna on 37 kg after 30 minutes of effort.
The following day Julie joined the crew (did Port of Tauranga Half Ironman on Saturday). The weather conditions were a lot better, but only a small albacore was caught.
A day spent hoping that no one else would catch a bigger fish! And they didn't. Bounty Hunter won First prize amongst 270 anglers and 78 boats - YEEHAH. The prize was $4000, which will go a long way towards more fishing!!!!
Photo: George receiving cheque from Tony Richards - Tony Richards Toyota was the sponsor of the tournament.

Tuna Tournament

We won the Tuna Tournament!