Troy Henderson of Extreme Fishing Charters Rarotonga won the heaviest fish category at the BSP Easter Fishing Competition with a 51.5kg yellowfin tuna. Pictured from left are crew members Mark Simmonds, Nigel Campbell, Corrina Tucker and skipper Troy Henderson. CIGFC/26040703
A spectacular double strike featured in the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC) BSP (Bank of South Pacific) Easter competition over the long weekend, with anglers reeling in impressive catches of yellowfin tuna, mahimahi and blue marlin.
During Saturday’s tournament, Troy Henderson of Extreme Fishing Charters Rarotonga lived up to his team’s name, landing an “extreme” haul aboard his vessel, Extreme.
Heading out of Avatiu Harbour at 7.30am, Henderson struck gold within an hour, hooking two yellowfin tuna in a double strike.
After a solid battle, both fish were successfully brought on board, with the crew working swiftly to gaff and secure the catch before returning to harbour by 10am.
The effort earned Henderson top honours in the heaviest fish category, taking out first place with a 51.5-kilogram yellowfin tuna to win $1000 cash and a bar card. He also secured second place with a 51kg yellowfin tuna, adding another $500 cash prize.
“Team Extreme is living the dream,” Henderson said.
Cameron Thorp claimed the heaviest aggregate catch at the BSP Easter Fishing Competition with a total haul of 103kg. CIGFC/26040704
In the heaviest fish aggregate category, Cameron Thorp aboard Tamahine claimed top spot with a combined weight of 103kg, made up of two yellowfin tuna and four mahimahi.
Kent Baxter on Makena placed second with 60.4kg, while Ngu Marsters on Angera finished third with 39.5kg.
Adding further excitement, Gordon Heather delivered a strong showing in the marlin section, landing a 194kg blue marlin to take first place, along with a second catch weighing 74kg.
A total of 37 boats registered for the tournament, with anglers bringing in 25 fish weighing a combined 678.4kg.
Species recorded included 12 yellowfin tuna, six skipjack, four mahimahi, two marlin and one sailfish (akura peau).
Master navigator Peia Patai, pictured with his son Temanava, placed third in the BSP Easter Fishing Competition with a 40kg yellowfin tuna. CIGFC/26040705
Veteran angler Papa Dick Marsters also featured among the winners, claiming the mystery weight prize with a perfectly matched 3.5kg yellowfin tuna.
Prizegiving was held later that evening on the club deck, followed by lively entertainment from a live band and standout performances by singers Kathy Brown and Tina Koronui Herman, former members of the Sweet Sour and Cream trio.
The Weighmasters Fishing competition will be held on May 9, 2026.
Results
Results for the Heaviest Fish: 1 Troy Henderson (Extreme) – 51.5kg yellowfin tuna ($1,000 cash + bar card), 2 Troy Henderson (Extreme) – 51kg yellowfin tuna ($500 cash), 3 Peia Patai (Fetia Moana) – 40kg yellowfin tuna ($250 cash)
Heaviest Fish Aggregate: 1 Cameron Thorp (Tamahine) – 103kg ($500 cash, merchant bag, bar card), 2 Kent Baxter (Makena) – 60.4kg ($300 cash, merchant bag, bar card), 3 Ngu Marsters (Angera) – 39.5kg ($200 cash, merchant bag, bar card)
Marlin Section: 1 Gordon Heather (Vaihina) – 194kg blue marlin ($300 cash), 2 Gordon Heather (Vaihina) – 74kg blue marlin ($200 cash)
Mystery Weight: Papa Dick Marsters – 3.5kg yellowfin tuna ($100 cash + bar card).
