Taranaki Commercial Fishermen’s Association

Thursday 11 November

It’s all about fishing this weekend in Taranaki.

The Taranaki Commercial Fishermen’s Association in partnership with local sport and recreational fishing groups in hosting a Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday 14 November at 4pm.

The fishermen’s association president Ian McDougal said commercial fishermen from the area wanted to celebrate the region’s shared love of fishing.

“Whether you are a sport, recreational or commercial fisher we all share a love of the ocean and fishing and we thought why not celebrate this with a Blessing of the Fleet? This is the first blessing of the fleet Taranaki commercial fishermen have hosted and we hope it will be ongoing,” said Mr McDougal.

Blessings of the Fleet are held to ensure a safe and bountiful season of fishing and to commemorate those who have lost their lives at sea.

Mr McDougal said Reverend Albie Martin will give the blessing to all of the boats gathered at the Port Taranaki boat ramp, including vessels that may be at sea. A large number of boats are expected to turn out for the blessing.

The public are invited to attend the blessing at the boat ramp adjacent to the Sport Fishing and Underwater Clubrooms at 4pm. They can expect to see a showcase of vessels ranging from recreational and sport fishing boats to the commercial fishing vessels that supply the region’s fish and chip shops. After the blessing everyone is invited to gather back at the Sport Fishing club for a presentation by the Taranaki Commercial Fishermen’s Association.

Also on Sunday, the association will donate a top-of-the-line electric Shimano fishing reel and rod to Taranaki’s disabled community as part of a nationwide initiative by the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen to help make fishing accessible for all.

“Fishing is great fun but we recognise that not everyone has the opportunity or ability to partake in this truly kiwi activity,” said Mr McDougal.

The new reels will be available for free hire through the Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre in time for summer fishing.

Brian Eriksen, Manager of the Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre said he was delighted when the commercial fishermen’s association approached him about wanting to donate a reel and rod to the community. The Taranaki Disabilities Centre is also affiliated with 70 other groups. Information will be given to those groups to ensure those with disabilities will access the use of the rod & reel.

The new rod & reel will be available from December 1 by booking through the Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre in time for summer fishing.

Contact can be made by ringing the centre on 06 7590019 or emailing info@taranakidic.org.nz.

ENDS

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