The 16th annual Don Beer Snr Memorial Tuna Fishing Competition, hosted by the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC), proved to be another exciting and successful event.

A fleet of 33 boats took to the waters for the popular tournament held on Saturday, May 31, reeling in a combined 562 kilograms of fish across multiple species.

The competition’s highlight – the Heaviest Tuna title – went to Akiona Tairi, who landed a 54.5kg yellowfin tuna aboard vessel Tukoe. Tairi took home a $1000 cash prize sponsored by the CIGFC, along with a Shimano Tiagra 50Wide reel and lure bag.

In total, 42 fish were caught during the event, including: yellowfin tuna (28), skipjack (8), mahimahi (2), barracuda (2), wahoo (1) and albacore (1).

Coming in second for heaviest tuna was Jojo Andaya on Mama Matapakia, whose 21kg yellowfin earned him a Shimano TLD 30 combo with 24kg Aquatip rod and a lure bag.

Kirikava Tutavake, on Te Tokamea, landed a 19.5kg tuna to claim third place and took home a Momoi 37kg x 1000m IGFA line and lure bag.

In the Heaviest Aggregate Catch category: Kirikava Tutavake – 115.5kg, won a Shimano TLD 50 with 24kg Aquatip rod and lure bag; Katoa on Lady D – 90.8kg, won a Shimano Spheros SW10000 and lure bag; and Don Beer on Trader Don – 43.5kg, won a Momoi 37kg x 1000m IGFA line and lure bag.

The Mystery Weight Prize went to seasoned angler Papa Dick Marsters aboard 4 Brothers, whose 9.5kg yellowfin won him a Shimano Speed Master 16II Reel.

JJ Marsters on Lady Aka was the lucky winner of the Lucky Boat Draw, taking home a 260L chilly bin.

The Heaviest Other Species prize went to Tatuava Rouru on OJ for his impressive 27.5kg wahoo, netting him an Okuma Makaira 16II Sea Silver Reel.

CIGFC weighmaster Julie Tangimetua Karika extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors: Trader Don, the Don Beer family, Don Beer Jnr, and James and Melissa, for their ongoing support.

“We could not have done this without your dedicate backing, year after year. Thank you, we truly appreciate you all,” Karika said.

The next event on the CIGFC calendar is the Ladies and Men Fishing Competition this Saturday, June 21. With over $5000 worth of fishing prizes and more than $10,000 total up for grabs, excitement is already building. All participating anglers and skippers must be financial members of the club. Boat registration is $20 and must be completed by Friday night before the bar closes.