Lets Go Local: Halfcast Fishing Draws Big Turn Out, Plus Punja

Thakor Punja, 21, made this year’s Volivoli Halfcast Fishing Competition a bit more than unusual.

The boat captain drove his 12ft Australian-made boat,  Yellow Submarine, from Nadi to Volivoli Beach Resort in Rakiraki to be part of the annual halfcast fishing competition.

Though he was only travelling at the speed of 15 knots, he said it was a great day to do it.

“I’ve had this boat since I was nine years old,” Mr Punja said.

“I have done a few big trips, and this is my first one to Volivoli.

“I’ll say it was one of my best.

“The weather was perfect, so the seas were glassy.

“A few people think I’m crazy and I’d agree with half of them.

“I guess when you’re at my age you feel more invincible, so why not now.”

Volivoli Beach Resort sales and marketing manager, Simon Doughty, said a big turnout arrived this year compared to last year.

Fortunately, they were able to hire most of their staff members who  were sent home because of COVID-19.

Volivoli Beach Resort plans to host another Halfcast Fishing Competition next year, and hope it will be bigger.

The competition is a friendly contest of catch and release.

Participants are expected to weigh, measure, and take a picture  of the fish before releasing it into the water.

This is their bid to protect their marine population, without raping and pillaging their shores.

There were 58 competitors from the ages of eight years old to 60-plus years old, with 12 boats, mainly from Nadi and Suva.

The vessels were:

• Blue Wallabies
• Crash Bandicoot
• Relax’n
• Coup d’etat
• Make the Fun
• Naplam 2 Tone Sloths
• Black Watch
• Rock Hard
• Deepa III
• Yellow Submarine
• Rise and Shine
• Team Volivoli

Feedback:  susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj