MOKAU Fishing Club president Dion Adams presents Kadius Young from Piopio, the trophy for most deserving angular. PHOTO SUPPLIED
THE Mōkau Fishing Club’s Take a Kid Fish activity last Saturday drew 65 junior anglers from as far away as Urenui and Piopio.
Club president Dion Adams said because of the uncertain weather forecast, they had not known whether the day would go ahead as planned. In the event, the weather was good and participation high.
“We had great support, with nine skippers making boats available to take the youngsters out. And clearly all those children had a great time; I think many of them hadn’t been out in a boat before.
“We’re certainly thankful for the generosity of the skippers who made it all possible,” Dion said.
Meanwhile, Coastguard Taranaki sent its patrol boat, Todd Energy Rescue, along to enable volunteers to keep an eye on boats crossing the Mōkau River bar. “Locals know it well, but you get some out of towners who don’t,” duty officer Peter Chapman said.
“From my perspective, it’s a reasonably dangerous bar at times and you must understand what the weather conditions are, the tide conditions and have some knowledge of the bar before you cross. It’s best to ask the locals where the channel is first.
“We had a two-fold purpose for being there on Saturday. It was good to provide a safety watch for the kids over the bar, but also to refamilarise ourselves with crossing it in our boat.”
Peter said despite it being an hour and a half voyage, motoring 30km from their home in Port Taranaki, the Coastguard volunteers enjoyed visiting Mōkau. “They do a great job up there and really look after one another.”
