Reel Fishin' Lower Waikato River Trout Contest 2019

The Sweetman's Reel Fishin' Lower Waikato River trout contest will be held for the 10th time, from Saturday 5th October to Saturday 12th October 2019 (8 days).

The area of the contest is again the main lower Waikato River from below Karapiro Dam to the Waikato Heads. Predominantly a spinning/trolling area, terminal tackle in order of success 2018 were soft baits (by a large majority 73%), with worm or bait, spinners, flies (with split shot), and lures eg rapalas making up the balance.

Top weight brown trout 2018 (Caught by Graham McHaffie of Hamilton) was 2.550kg, best condition factor (Brown caught by Andrea Sharpe) an excellent 55.37.

We have two main divisions in prizes - Adults $35 entry and Juniors 17 years and under $15 entry. The 46 contestants last year presented a total of 64 trout, although a lot more were released or not entered.

Entry into the team's section is only $20 per team of 4 and we also have a women’s section. We make sure there are plenty of spot prizes for all.

Over $5,500 in fishing packages, with a total 28 prize categories. All prizes sporting packages unless stated.

1x Grand prize draw at prize-giving donated by Taupiri Tavern: Adults entry draw total value $500.
Open to all adult contestants that have entered the contest. (Must be present to claim prize or re-drawn)

Best adults condition factor brown trout- $500 prize package
Best adults condition factor rainbow trout - $200 prize package.
Best Junior condition factor trout - $250 prize package.

Adults heaviest brown trout: $350 1st, $250 2nd, $100 3rd.
Adults heaviest rainbow trout: $200.

Juniors heaviest brown trout: $250 1st, $150 2nd, $100 3rd.
Juniors heaviest rainbow trout: $100.

Women's heaviest trout: $200. Women's best condition factor trout: $100.

Team section: Best average condition factor trout bag for group total: $500 (4x $125).
Team section: 2nd average condition factor trout bag for group total: $200 (4x $50).

Mystery weight & novelty prizes - $1,500 (5x $100 novelty packs, plus numerous spot draws).

To enter: call at Taupiri Tavern and enter in person, or pickup forms from any of the weigh stations. Online entry forms at the website shown, or email mnlych@ezysurf.co.nz to get a form via email.
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All contestants must have NZ Fish & Game current Licences for 2019/20 and abide by their rules regarding methods & tackle used. All legal fishing methods welcome; trolling, flyfishing, spinning & baitfishing.

Note: Juniors under 12 (as of 1/10/19) still need licences, but they are free. Teams must consist of 4 members.

Contest fishing hours; from Dawn on Saturday 5th October to 3pm Saturday 12th October.

Weigh ins:
Hunting & Fishing, (New Address) 674A Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton: 9am- 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am- 3pm Saturdays. Also Sunday 6th October only, 10am to 3pm.

Cambridge Sportsworld, 50 Victoria St, Cambridge: 8:30am- 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am- 2:30pm Saturdays. (Not open Sunday 6th)

Taupiri Tavern, the Crescent, Taupiri: 7.30pm - 9pm first 7 days of contest, and mid day to 3 pm Saturday final day Oct 12th. Note: final weigh-in time is 3 pm sharp on the Saturday.

Prizegiving & barbeque will be held at Taupiri Tavern on Saturday 12th October at 4.30 pm. Every contestant is urged to attend- the spot prizes will only be allocated to those present.

Contacts:
- Michael Lynch - 027 621 4207
-William Van Zyl (photographer) 022 078 7624
- Steve and Tracey Farrar - 021 1426 424
- Sharnay Cocup - 020 400 86329
- Bob Gamble (Taupiri Tavern)- 07 824 6842

Run as a local community event with Huntly & Taupiri business support.