Get your fishing rods into action for the Renwick Arms' Fishin' Comp!

The Renwick Arms Country Club is a central Renwick landmark, built 144 years ago. First opened in 1882 it was called the Globe Hotel Renwicktown before changing to the Renwick Arms in 1915.

It belonged to Dominion Breweries from 1974 until 1987 and subsequently became Renwick Arms House, complete with accommodation and a souvenir shop. 1991 saw it become a registered club; run as it is now by a committee.

Not only is it Marlborough’s oldest drinking establishment, but it is also a lively hub where many community get-togethers take place.  One of the favourite events on its social calendar is the renowned Annual Fishing Competition, the largest fishing competition in the region.

This tradition brings together anglers of all skill levels and ages from across the region and even as far as Christchurch. Started around 25 years ago, it keeps growing in popularity as a fun, family event and last year there were 180 competitors.

It takes place over three days from Friday 21 February to Sunday the 23rd, with weigh-ins each day, giving families and friends plenty of time to get out and enjoy being out on the ocean water or the local rivers as they choose.

The event is so popular that many entrants come back year after year, not wanting to miss the chance of a big win.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner wanting to test your skills, this is an opportunity to have fun, catch some food and even win some of the thousands of dollars of prizes on offer. There is a barbecue on site and the eagerly awaited prize giving starts on Sunday at 5pm.

Anyone can enter and for the last 10 years children have been very much encouraged. “There is nothing quite like seeing the joy on their faces when they bring up their fish to be weighed,” says the Country Club’s manager Kelly Wild.

“We had around 50 children enter last year and regardless of whether they catch anything or not, we try to make sure there are spot prizes for them all after the judging. We want to keep them interested and excited about coming back each year.”

The kid’s category which is for those 12 years and under just requires that they be old enough to catch and retrieve their fish and present it themselves at weigh-in.

There are a substantial number of categories for the many types of fish caught in the region; some for the length of fish, others for the weight. “Kids can even enter a Spotty,” says Kelly.

Club past president Chris Mayer has been involved since the start of the competition and was for many years the MC of the event.

“People fish from Kaikoura up to the Marlborough Sounds to try to get a successful entry,” he explains. Last year was his only year entering the competition himself.

“I only got a Stingray which had to go straight back,” he says ruefully. “This year I’m helping with the weigh-ins.”

“The fishing is looking good,” he continues. “I’ve had friends out recently who are getting good catches. We’ve experimented over the years with holding the event at different times and have settled on late February as usually providing the most ideal weather conditions.”

“Not all fish are judged on their weight and that applies to Snapper and Blue Cod,” explains current Vice President of the club, Peter Gilmour.

The club recognises that the future is to move towards supporting a sustainable fishery so there is an option provided to catch and release to ensure there are enough fish for future generations to enjoy catching to provide food for their families.

An official measure goes out with the boat so that fishers can photograph their catch and still enter even though they have to release it.

Chey Wirepa has been entering the event with his family since he was 6 years old. Now 14 he is looking forward to this year’s event. The family spend a lot of time fishing together and have had many successes in the competition throughout the years.

“Most years we have done pretty well in it,” he says. “We all catch fish. We’ve won fishing rod, lures, all sorts of things,” he says. “A favourite win was when I caught a Kingfish when I was in the children’s section.”

“The Renwick Arms Country Club Annual Fishing Competition wouldn’t be as successful as it is without its sponsors. “We are incredibly grateful for our many sponsors who support this great event and, like us here at the Club, realise what pleasure it brings to families and the local community,” says Kelly.

It’s time to get those fishing rods primed and ready for action.