Most Meritorious Catch of The Season

Richie Hart

At just 13 years old and a first-time fisherman, this young angler had a fishing experience he will never forget!

Fishing aboard his parents’ boat, Hot Barrells, after travelling all the way from Palmerston North, he hooked into an incredible 116.3kg Marlin.

After a determined one-hour fight, he successfully landed his very first Marlin - an outstanding achievement for any angler, let alone at just 13 years of age and on his first fishing adventure.

A catch, a fight and a memory that will certainly be hard to top!

A very deserving recipient of the KBAC Most Meritorious Catch of the Season. Congratulations on an incredible achievement!

Junior Angler of the Year

Riley Bird

For the second year in a row, 15-year-old Riley Bird has been named KBAC’s Junior Angler of the Year.

Riley, son of Paula and Brent Bird, has had another outstanding season on the water, with some fantastic achievements both at Club and national level.

A highlight of Riley’s season was landing a Mahimahi on 8kg line, setting a new KBAC Club Record, along with the Tag & Release of a Marlin.

Riley also had a fantastic NZSFC Youth Nationals, earning two certificates and two plaque awards, including the award for Heaviest Mahimahi.

To achieve this at just 15 years old, and to take out Junior Angler of the Year for the second consecutive year, is something Riley can be incredibly proud of.

Congratulations Riley! A fantastic season and a very well-deserved achievement. We look forward to seeing what you can achieve next.

Most Helpful on the Water

Rob Fitzgerald 

This award recognises someone who has gone above and beyond to support others on the water throughout the season.

Rob Fitzgerald has certainly done that, providing timely rescues, towing assistance and standing by to help several boats when they have found themselves needing a hand.

Rob’s commitment has often gone well beyond simply helping when he is already out on the water. On more than one occasion, he has travelled over the hill from his home in Maihihi to Kāwhia, ready to assist, only to be stood down when he arrived or asked to remain on standby.

That willingness to drop what he is doing, make the trip and be there when someone may need help is what being part of a boating community is all about.

A very deserving recipient of Most Helpful on the Water.

Congratulations Rob, and thank you for always being willing to lend a hand and look out for others on the water.