Catching fish is only half the fun

A club for fishers, based on the Hibiscus Coast, is proof that you can continue casting those lines, well into the retirement years.

Golden Years Fishing Club has around 72 members, including a small number of women, who get out on the water regularly, from October to May, to fish and yarn the day away.

The minimum age is 50 years, but several members are in their 80s and one, Brian Finlayson, is 93.

President Derek Kelsey says most of those who join have had to give up their boats, but still enjoy fishing.

The club started at the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, and really got going in 1990.

George Galbraith, 84, says although members may be a bit stiffer in the joints, or less physically able in general, there is something for everyone.

The three options, depending on your health and fitness, is fishing with a Torpedo from the beach, or going on a charter boat on the Hauraki Gulf (usually from Gulf Harbour), or the longer trip to the Kaipara – where the water is rougher, but the fish more plentiful.

There are also occasional ‘away trips’ to places such as the Chathams, Great Barrier or Stewart Island.

Ōrewa member Trevor Sanderson says the banter is an even bigger plus than the fishing.

“You hop on the boat, have a coffee and talk to the guys you haven’t seen for the last month,” he says.

The catch is taken home, filleted, and shared among relatives, friends and neighbours. Nothing is wasted – the club even produced a fish cookbook for its 30th anniversary.

Most of the fish caught is snapper, and occasionally kahawai.

“Once you’ve tallied up all the fish, the lies and exaggerations start,” says Ōrewa member Wally Alesich. 

That’s because there is a prize for the biggest snapper, and one for ‘other species’. Wally once caught an octopus on the Kaipara and tried to claim ‘catch of the day’ with it.

All the fishers have noticed a big drop in fish stocks, particularly in the Hauraki Gulf, and need to be even more patient waiting for a bite. Sustainability is important, and they stick to the rules, taking only the permitted number and size of fish.

The club welcomes new members. Info, phone Derek, 021 032 6878.