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Port Albert’s proud fishing heritage has entered a new chapter with the official launch of the Port Albert Fishing Club, a revitalised group built on strong local history and an enthusiastic new generation of anglers.
The club was formally launched at the Port Albert Hall last month, drawing together long-time locals, families and fishing enthusiasts to celebrate both the past and the future of fishing in the district.
Membership already stands at 54 seniors and 23 juniors, aged 16 and under.
The club’s formation builds on decades of local effort to improve fishing access and facilities at Port Albert.
During the Albertland Cruising Club era (1950s-1990s), the County Council condemned the wharf and threatened its demolition (1953). Within a week, local farmers and keen fishers canvassed the district, successfully raising the funds required to repair and preserve the wharf.
Over the following decades, the club transformed the waterfront, installing the initial low-water ramp, later widening it to two lanes, and eventually adding the high water ramp.
Sand was barged in to create a small beach, ladders were added, and piles and planks replaced, all by voluntary labour.
The club was defined by a robust membership, famous annual regattas, and legendary end-of-year prizegivings, which remain a topic of conversation in the district today.
In the early 1990s, the club adapted to the discovery of the West Coast marlin fishery. A gantry was installed, and Port Albert was a courtesy weigh station for the Warkworth Fishing Club.
However, in the late 1990s and into the 2000s, there was a sharp decline in Kaipara’s legendary snapper stocks. Weigh-ins became dominated by sharks and stingrays, leading to a decline in the club and its eventual closure. Ownership of the wharf and ramps was handed back to council in 2002.
But the landscape of the harbour has changed again.
With commercial trawlers now banned, snapper stocks have seen a significant resurgence and this recovery has brought a new wave of fishers back to the harbour.
Encouraged by Rodney Local Board member Colin Smith, a public meeting was held last October, drawing enthusiastic support for the reformation of the club.
A spokesperson says the new club is focused on fostering a family-friendly environment and sustainable fishing practises.
In a fitting twist of history, the club’s newly-elected president is Buster Booth – the grandson and namesake of one of the original farmer-fishers who helped raise funds and form the first fishing club. As well as Booth, the executive includes secretary Charles McGahn and treasurer Paul Mason. Together, they have overseen the club’s incorporation, officially registering it as Port Albert Fishing Club Inc.
The first official competition will be Take A Kid Fishing on February 28. The event is designed specifically to give children the chance to learn, participate and enjoy fishing in a supportive and fun environment.
February 28 Take A Kid Fishing, Port Albert Wharf, Port Albert Rd, 6am-3pm. Competition for members aged 16 years and under. Prizes and weigh in from 2pm. Tickets: Facebook Port Albert Fishing Club
Adult members will also have their chance to compete, with another competition planned for April or May. In addition, the club has launched an ongoing ‘measure only’ competition, which will run alongside other club activities, promoting a catch-and-release format.
The club is actively seeking local partnerships and thanked the sponsors who have already committed.
