Media Release
23 February 2015

Westhaven fishing competition has sustainable rules

The Gofuel Westhaven Fishing Classic, to be held on Sunday 22 March at Westhaven, has responded to increasing concerns about the tournament world contributing to over fishing, with rules that encourage sustainable practice.

The event, formerly known as the Z Pier Auckland Fishing Classic, is in its second year, and is designed to bring people from all over Auckland in to the marina, with high odds of winning prizes worth $30,000.

However, each entrant can only enter two snapper, and one each of other species. For adults the snapper must be longer than 35cm, and shorter than 60cm, to protect younger and older fish. Kids can measure any legal sized snapper up to 59.9cm.

In addition, sustainable fishing advocates Legasea, will be there to clean and fillet the catch, with any unwanted parts going to FreeFishHeads.co.nz.

At the 2014 Fishing Classic, there was a prize for just about every entrant, and $30,000 in fishing gear has already been secured from more than twenty sponsors and supporters for this year’s event, including six kayaks, rods, tackle, bait, clothing, and more.

Billfish Cafe is providing hospitality and music for the prizegiving at Z Pier, and the Z Pier charter fleet are taking bookings for the day.

Fishing is encouraged from the city’s wharves and seawalls, and from kayaks and all types of boats, and the event has a sustainability focus with rules that help to ensure the preservation of fishing stocks.

The event is organised for Westhaven Marina and Waterfront Auckland by Joe Dennehy. Entry is $65 for adults, $15 for kids, and entries can be made through Eventfinder. Visitwww.westhaven.co.nz for more information.

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