This competition is run by the fishing committee or other nominated members of the Stillwater Boating Club (the committee).  The committee shall have final decision-making powers on the eligibility of any angler or catch entered into the competition.  Timing, species and prizes available may be amended due to catch numbers, weather or entrants at the committee’s discretion.

Read these rules carefully and if in doubt ask a committee member for clarification. Entries that are deemed invalid will not be eligible for any prizes.

The Competition

This is a measure competition running from 5 AM 26 December 2024 to Midnight 7 February 2025. All entries must be received within this time.

Main prizes will be awarded for competition species based on longest length. You can enter as many fish as you like, but only the longest fish of each species for that angler will be eligible for a main prize.

There will also be a “mixed bag” category that will consist of the sum length of the best fish an angler enters from each category. This can be made up of one or all valid species.

Average lengths will be calculated based on total entries, not only qualifying entries. For example, if an angler enters five fish in a category, all fish will count toward average length, but only the longest entered will be the angler's entry towards this category.

Fishing Method

NZ Fishing rules must be observed. Fish must be caught on a rod and reel

Fishing Area

Unless otherwise noted, fishing is open to NZ coastal waters

Valid Species

Competition species are as follows;

• Snapper

• Kingfish

• Kahawai

• Trevally

• Gurnard

• John Dory

Other species may be added at the discretion of the committee and will be notified prior to competition commencing.

No sharks, rays or eels.

Entering A Fish

One fish per species can be entered for each category in the competition. An angler may send in more than one fish to be entered but only the longest eligible fish will be entered for any prizes. Entries must be sent to fishing@swbc.co.nz by close of competition. All entries must have the angler’s name, species and length of the entry in the subject line.

Fish must be of legal size to be eligible for entry.

In the event of a tie the entry that was received the earliest to the nominated email address will take the highest placing.

Anglers must be in attendance at the prizegiving to receive/be valid to receive their prize, juniors exempt.  No show – no prize. Prize giving date will be announced prior to competition commencing.

Photographing The Fish

Providing a clear and valid image of the fish is the angler’s responsibility and failure to enter a valid photo may be grounds for the committee to invalidate or deduct length from the entry.

Photos must be taken on a valid measure mat showing 5mm increments and a 90-degree stopper. Tape measures and stickers are not valid. A list of valid measure mats and examples of photos can be viewed here https://www.fishingcomp.co.nz/approved-measures/ Providing the measure mat has and L shaped end and has been provided by a reputable supplier then other measures may be acceptable. If in doubt contact a Fishing Committee member.  Measures used must be submitted at the prize giving for checking.

The fish must be placed so that the upper or lower jaw are against the stopper in their natural position (i.e., not elongated) and the tail is spread to prove length. Depending on the species and type of tail the measure will be taken to the shortest point of the V or longest point of the flat or inverted tail. Gutted, gilled or butchered fish will not be accepted. Measures will be rounded down to the nearest 5mm marking.

At the commencement of the competition the committee will announce via email and social media a number, word or object that must be in the photo.  This object, word or number must be clearly visible in the photo and if incorrect or not clearly visible may be grounds for invalidating the entry.

Categories

Prizes will be awarded to categories as listed in the competition announcement, these categories will be divided into, but not limited to;

• Open

• Women’s

• Junior (under 15 at commencement of competition)

• Mixed Bag

If a competitor enters a fish that places in the open category, then that entry will be moved to that category and no longer be valid in the sub category.  For example, if a junior catches a fish that places in the open category the entry will be removed from the junior category and be valid only in the open category.

General

Decisions of the Fishing Committee are final and cannot be protested.

Competition entry must be received before the commencement of the competition.

The committee reserves the right to amend comp formats and rules and will do their best to announce them via social media, email etc.

It is solely the entrant’s responsibility to be aware of the rules and requirements, the committee will be available to explain or clarify any areas that the angler does not understand.

The aim of the competition is to be fun and inclusive, any behavior or actions deemed against this aim may be grounds for exclusion from the event.