Angler sets good target

Press, 1 March 1984, Page 3

Angler sets good target

Mr G. B. Andrew has set a good target for other anglers in the annual Rakaia River salmon fishing contest. On the first day yesterday his 16.95 kg salmon topped the scales among the 87 weighed in and earned Mr Andrew, of Fairton, $lOOO for his efforts. The competition carries prizes of $lB,OOO in cash and $2OOO in sponsored prizes. The heaviest salmon caught in the river each day is worth $lOOO and the second heaviest, $5OO. The angler catching the heaviest trout earns $lOO each day in the competition, which will end on Sunday when the angler with the heaviest salmon over all will be awarded $6OOO and the runner-up, $2OOO. Other prizes are being offered including $5OO for the catch nearest a mystery weight. The competition has attracted 675 entries including some from Europe, the United States, and Australia. Fishermen were buffeted by north-westerly winds yesterday, but conditions were otherwise good.

Fishermen said that the river was still clear at the gorge late last evening, allaying fears that the winds may bring enough rain to the Alps which could discolour the river and upset today’s round.

Mr Andrew’s salmon was caught yesterday morning near the rivermouth. The runner-up was Mr L. Beck, of Christchurch, with a 15.20 kg salmon.

The top trout among the six weighed in was caught by Mr B. J. , Gray, of Blenheim. It weighed 3.35 kg.