It has been a phenomenally successful first year for the Papamoa Beach Surfcasting Club.

'We started last September” says president Bruce Glass 'And it's grown like Topsy with membership of more than 80.”

Keen surfcaster Merv Barker. Photo: Bruce Barnard

The main purpose of the club was to teach Papamoa Beach residents the tips and tricks of surfcasting. 'We have large stretches of pristine beaches that are easily accessible for fishing. So it's only natural people want to catch fish but most don't have the knowledge and skills to do so.”

The club has been holding regular tuition classes and on the back of those members have been catching snapper, kahawai, trevally, gurnard kingfish. 'So we intend to continue those classes” says Bruce Glass.

The club has several members with many years of experience and that experience is available to anyone that would like to take surfcasting. Absolute beginners are taken through every stage from choosing a rod and reel to tackle and bait to ensure they bring home a fish.

There's also a strong social aspect to the club with dinners, trips and club weekends.

Information on the Papamoa Beach Surfcasting Club is available on papbeachscinfo@gmail.com