Brianna Govier is still reeling after claiming two of the top prizes at the Dawnbreakers Snapper Cup 2024 fishing competition.
The 11-year-old avid angler was targeting snapper in Tasman Bay when she reeled in a 55cm long trevally, the first she has landed. What followed was a 75cm snapper, which would ultimately claim her the top prize in the junior category for longest fish.
More than 300 fish were landed by over 100 anglers for the annual Snapper Cup hosted by Dawnbreakers Fishing Club.
Club fishmaster Gareth Nicholson says an impressive 325 fish were entered over the fishing weekend, which took place from 8 - 10 March.
He says a new format proved successful with anglers able to submit photos of their catch through The Daiwa Tournament App instead of presenting for weigh-in. This had the double benefit of allowing a catch and release, as well as enabling the extension of the fishing boundaries to incorporate Golden Bay.
“The fish were certainly on the bite and it didn’t take long on the water to have a few snapper to enter into the competition,” Gareth says.
“Overall, 325 fish were entered by the 109 anglers taking part – this is great going considering there was a limit of three snapper that could be entered per angler.”
He says the average length of snapper entered was just over 54 cm.
“Which shows what awesome condition the stocks in the bay are currently. Other than snapper, there were plenty of gurnard, kahawai and trevally entered. Kingfish were difficult to come across over the weekend, but a few anglers still managed to get one to the boat.”
Close to 150 people joined for the prize-giving dinner at the Trafalgar Centre at the end of March.
Gareth says the trifecta category was an exciting new addition this year, providing an opportunity for the “real fisherfolk” to show off their skills. The category was awarded to the longest combined length of three species that had to include a snapper, kahawai and one other species of choice.
The adult’s section was closely contested with Kevin Bannan walking away with the honours for his 80.5cm snapper, which was the longest of the tournament.
While he puts the catch of the day down to a lot of luck, Kevin was “pretty rapt” with his efforts.
“I knew it was a good fish, it took off like a rocket and took a bit to turn it back around.”
It’s not the first time he claimed the top prize, winning the biggest fish in the same competition six years ago, with a snapper the exact same size as the one he reeled in early in March.
Kevin says he headed out on Friday night at the start of the competition.
“It was so rough; we were hanging on, you couldn’t sit there and eat your tea.”
Although he and his companion caught 10 fish, the biggest was 13lb. Saturday’s forecast was much the same so they opted to instead head out early on Sunday morning, which is when he hooked the big one.
Kevin’s prize included a Furuno fish finder and transducer, a Daiwa rod and reel combo, and a Black Magic tackle pack valued at over $5000.
Hot on his heels in second and third place were Angela Govier and Steven Epiha with 79 cm and 76.5 cm snappers.
A coin toss was needed to determine who was closest to average length snapper in the adult’s section, between John Hawkins and Jason Elvines. Luck fell the way of Jason, who walked away with over $2000 worth of prizes from Marahau Marine, Honda and Black Magic.
Lisa Lamb claimed the trifecta win for a snapper, kingfish and kahawai with a combined length of 206cm.
Species category prizes were awarded to Otis Dell, Brad Eggers, Lisa Lamb, and Mike Inwood for the longest gurnard, kahawai, kingfish and trevally respectively. Gareth caught the longest snapper from a kayak with a 73cm fish.
While Brianna landed the longest snapper, Bree Dell took out the junior trifecta category with a snapper, kahawai and kingfish.
Max Harwood and Bradley Elvines took home prizes for second and third longest snapper, while the closest to average length snapper was awarded to Myah Burnett.
The longest kingfish caught by a junior went to Ash Walzl while Bradley, Bree and Brianna all featured again in the category prizes for longest gurnard, kahawai and trevally respectively.
Gareth says the event wouldn’t be possible without sponsors who combined to create a prizepool valued at more than $20k.
Major sponsors included Hunting and Fishing Nelson/Richmond, Furuno ENL, Daiwa and DNA boats.
“Over thirty other local business sponsored and supported this event as well. Please visit the Dawnbreakers Fishing Club’s Facebook page to see the list and support these generous businesses in return.”
