Club Rules | Poenamo Fishing Club

The official rules for Poenamo Fishing Club competitions, Fish of the Trimester (FOTM) and the Ladders. Please read the measuring rules carefully: your photo is the only way we can validate a catch.

Measuring your catch

A clear photograph of your fish, correctly placed on the measure mat, is critical for entry into any competition, including Fish of the Trimester and the Ladders. It is your responsibility to provide an image we can use to validate your entry.

Place your fish on the official PFC measure mat and take one or more digital photos that clearly show the whole fish, side-on, with either the upper or lower jaw touching the edge of the L-shaped plastic end of the mat.

Make sure the V of the tail is clearly visible and as close to the midline of the measure as possible. Take the photo from directly above the fish (looking straight down), not from the front or side. Your photo is the only way we can validate your entry, so make it a good one, and take several just in case.

Things that can go wrong with photos

The image is out of focus, so the length can't be verified.
The image doesn't show the whole fish on the measure, so the length can't be verified.
Shadows. Watch automatic cameras, as strong shadows can stop us verifying the length. Take photos in light shade with no shadow where possible, or use a fill-in flash.
The photo isn't taken from directly above. The "rule of feet" applies: if you stand over the fish, look down, and your feet are in the shot, you're in the right position.

Photo checklist

The photo is good enough quality to verify both the species and the length.
Submit the photo by email to poenamofishingclub@gmail.com, with the angler's name, fish species and length in the subject line and the photo attached. Strictly one photo per email.
Take several photos just in case. Part-sun / part-shadow can cause problems, so check which one meets all the criteria before sending.
The tip of either the upper or lower jaw must touch the edge of the L-shaped plastic end of the measure. You may place a hand on the fish, have someone hold it, or use a damp cloth to settle it, as long as this doesn't significantly obscure the fish or prevent the committee from validating the catch.
The V of the tail should be as close to the midline of the measure as possible. Fish with a straight tail (e.g. blue cod) or a convex tail (e.g. john dory) should be placed so the tail edge is as close to parallel as possible with the graduated lines. All fish, including blue cod and gurnard, must be placed side-on.
The measure must be on a flat surface.
Don't distort the jaw to exaggerate the length (e.g. john dory), and let the tail sit naturally. If the jaw has been extended or the tail squeezed together, the catch may be declined or a length deduction made, at the sole discretion of the committee.
Strictly no mutilated fish on the mat, including removal of the gill plate.
Your fish may not be eligible if the above conditions aren't met. The committee reserves the right to accept an entry with an appropriate length reduction for non-compliance, and to disqualify any catch at their sole and absolute discretion for any reason, including (but not limited to) not following these rules, suspected measure tampering, or false data submissions.

Measures

All catches must be measured on an official PFC measure mat, available from Pat's Garage Sports Bar for $20.

Your photo must clearly and visibly show one of the following, or your entry is not valid:

the official competition number (revealed in the GDMNZ app at midnight before the comp starts; not needed on the mat if you submit through the app, which adds it automatically), or
your ladder letter (A, B, C… announced at the start of the season), or
for Fish of the Trimester, the year of the catch (e.g. 2024, 2025, 2026…).

Hot tip: keep a vivid / Sharpie in your tackle kit.

How is the length determined?

V tail: the innermost point of the V must touch or pass the line to qualify for that 0.5cm increment. For example, a fish just over 40cm that doesn't reach the 40.5cm mark is recorded as 40.0cm.
Straight or convex tail: the length is taken where the middle of the tail touches the measure. Spread the tail evenly and keep its middle along the midline.
Ties: the first qualifying fish submitted is the winner.

General rules

These apply to all entries, competitions, Fish of the Trimester and Ladders included.

New Zealand fishing rules and regulations must be observed.
Legal minimum length requirements for each species must be followed.
Kahawai minimum length is 30cm.
No eels, rays or sharks.
Strictly two entries per species per angler for competitions, unless stated otherwise before the competition starts.
Competitions are open only to full, financial members of the club who have paid the relevant entry fees, unless fishing for a competition as a guest.
The fishing season starts the day after our annual land-based competition and end-of-financial-year prizegiving, and runs until the same competition the following financial year.
All fish must be measured in line with the measuring rules above. Any entry that doesn't follow them will be automatically disqualified and is not eligible for prizes. This is the committee's right and their decision is final. (Please follow the rules to save yourself any trouble.)
Any other protest about fishing or competition rules must be made in writing within 48 hours of the weigh-in. A Judicial Committee will adjudicate any protest received.
The committee may alter, delete or add to any rule as it deems necessary in the interest of the club.
The fishing area is the New Zealand 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone, unless specific competition rules apply (e.g. Bridge to Bridge, or Chart 532).
Competition fishing times must be adhered to. Anyone submitting a catch from outside the specified time frame will be automatically disqualified.
Specific rules for each competition must be followed and will be emailed to members before the competition.