The inaugural Don Dorrell Memorial Game Fishing Competition sponsored by the Cook Islands Motor Centre and Honda Marine made a fabulous gigantic splash this past weekend, drawing an impressive fleet of over 50 boats to the waters for a day of friendly competition.

The line-up of 53 registered boats was the biggest ever for the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC), hosts of the monthly game fishing tournaments on Rarotonga.

The total weight of fish weighed in on the day was a whopping 905.50kg from the total catch of 39 fish.

Local fisherman Alfred Story of Raro Fishing Charters won both the heaviest fish (yellow fin tuna 67 kg), and the heaviest aggregate catch (5 x yellowfin tuna, total 268.5kg) which consisted of the competition calling it a day of determination, hard work and good fortune.

Still buzzing over his winnings this week, Story says it has been “blessings after blessings. It feels amazing to have won over 52 boats.”

Chasing birds on the water that day, Story hooked his heaviest yellowfin tuna 12 miles out from Kiikii, and still chasing birds, he ended up 20 miles out, returning home with a fantastic catch.

Story says his winning fish is the heaviest yellowfin he has landed in a competition, and the heaviest aggregate too – “the big tuna are here.”

For the first time, a Honda BF60 is a 4-stroke 60 hp marine engine – worth $16,995.0, was awarded as the lucky boat draw prize, and all skippers were present for the draw, as skippers had to be there to claim their chance at winning.

Rangi Winchester was stoked to win the outboard motor dancing with joy to the music of island drums as he was announced the winner.

Honda Marine New Zealand reps Dwayne Barrie and Noel Joseph were both pleased to attend the prizegiving event and offer the opportunity to all the skippers to win the new Honda BF60 beauty.

“This is a powerful and compact 60hp outboard motor, its economical and 4 stroke engine… its bullet proof,” said Barrie.

“Thanks for amazing hospitality. Rarotonga without a doubt is the best island in the South Pacific.

“We are extremely proud to have such supportive business partners like Cook Islands Motor Centre,” Barrie added.

Cook Islands Motor Centre with Honda Marine also conducted skills workshops in Aitutaki and Rarotonga for fishermen regardless of what outboard motor they had.

The CIGFC weighmaster CIGFC weighmaster, Julie Tangimetua Karika, described the event's vibe as “awesome.”

She highlighted several aspects, including the record-breaking boat entries, the venue setup with all the prizes, the Motor Centre team's decorations, and the special appearance by Vini from Motor Centre’s “it’s not just a Motor, it’s a HONDA” ad.

She also mentioned Ngu’s marlin winning the $1000 cash prize and Alfred winning in both categories.

She was “blown away” by the full attendance from the skippers at prizegiving.

“I’ve never seen the club light up with so much excitement and uncertainty of who would win the major prize… calling out the winners and seeing all the many people from the stage was quite overwhelming,” said Julie.

The late Don Dorrell was known nationwide as the “man” of Motor Centre – the founder and owner of the longest running vehicle dealership in the country. He passed away on June 7, 2022, at the age of 84 having lived a “full and meaningful life”.

Motor Centre Managing Director Fiona Dorrell (Don’s daughter) says the fishing competition was a perfect opportunity to do the memorial for her father.

“It has been an amazing journey to bring to you the first ever Don Dorrell Memorial and its privilege to be part of the local fishing community here in Rarotonga.

“Thank you all so much for participating and making it the memorial for Don that we intended – I can just picture him sitting there with a rum in his hand and a big smile on his face. And we look forward to continuing his legacy for years to come,” said Fiona.

She acknowledged the Honda Marine reps, Bruce Francis from REPCO – who she has known since she was 6, Peter Maddrin at Tyres Direct, Jackie Nassau and her team at Nassau International and Diane Fletcher of The Manea Room.

She also thanked the CIGFC committee and manager, Sharon Williams; and the Cook Islands Motor Centre dream team.

The first 2025 Don Dorrell Memorial Game Fishing Competition results are as follows.

Heaviest Fish category:1 Vaihere - Alfred Story yellow fin tuna 67 kg - 88L Chilly Bin, Tote Tank, $750 cash, CIGFC Bar card; 2 Te Tokamea - Kirikava Tutavake yellow fin tuna 58.5kg - 132L Large Chilly Bin, $500 cash, CIGFC Bar card; 3 Te Tokamea - Kirikava Tutavake yellowfin tuna 58kg - 132L Large Chilly Bin, $250 cash, CIGFC Bar card.

Heaviest Aggregate category: 1 Vaihere - Alfred Story 268.5kg (5 x yellowfin tuna) - 88L Chilly Bin, Tote Tank, $750 cash, CIGFC Bar card; 2 Lady D - Kim Bertelsen 267.5kg (8 x yellowfin tuna, 1 skipjack) - 132L Large Chilly Bin, $500 cash, CIGFC Bar card; 3 Te Tokamea - Kirikava Tutavake 211kg (4 x yellowfin tuna) - 132L Large Chilly Bin, $250 cash, CIGFC Bar card​.

Marlin Section: Angera - Ngu Marsters won $1,000 cash for his 95.5 kg Blue Marlin.

The Sponsors Mystery Weight (26 kg) prize went to Buckley Buckley Senior for his 33 kg yellowfin tuna. He took home a 132L Large Chilly Bin, Tote Tank, CIMC Voucher worth $400.

Forty lucky boat draws were presented on the night to the lucky skippers.

On Saturday April 19 is the annual BSP Fishing Competition. Registrations ($20 per boat) closes tonight Thursday April 17 before the bar closes. Fishing starts at 5am, lines up at 5pm with prize giving at 7pm. Skippers must be present at prizegiving to claim their prizes.