Tasman Bay Snapper Classic hooked some impressive figures this year: 240 people took part, 140 snapper were weighed in, $37,000 in prizes was given out, and now it has announced that $8000 was donated to the Nelson Coastguard.
The Tasman Bay Snapper Classic was held earlier this month and was a huge success with the largest ever competitor turn out. Its prize pool was also the biggest ever and included a $14,500 boat as one of its prizes.
That was won by Nelson man Jeff Holden for catching the average-weighed snapper at 2.07kg.
But Troy says what was particularly pleasing was the amount they were able to raise for the Coastguard. “They do a great job and it was a good charity for this event with all the boaties taking part and able to help give back.”
Coastguard president Graeme Richards says the money will go into its replacement boat fund. “It’s fantastic, we’re really excited about. We thought it was best to put it to the boat fund because we like to keep this kind of donation away from general admin.”
Members of the Coastguard also helped out on the day.
Troy says the competition lost about 100 entrants due to a late weather-enforced change of date. “Which was disappointing but not unexpected with the change of dates.”
He says the fact they still got the biggest ever turn-out despite the changes shows how popular the competition is becoming. “The feedback has been great, I’ve approaches already for next year,” he says.
Troy also wanted to thank the major sponsors, including Houston Motor Group, Speight’s Ale House, Honda, DNA Boats, Big Blue Dive and Fish, Hirepool, Lion, Port Nelson Ltd and Nelson Weekly.
