b'"Those who could pivotoff Mayor Island on the finalLOOKING AHEAD TO 2026day.An albacore of similar sizeThe 2025 NZSFC Nationals their approach rose towas landed on the way home. will be remembered as the year the top, while others wereThough neither fish was partof adaptation, where changing of the Nationals, they provedstrategies, tagging commitment, and left wishing they\'d beenthat the ocean always has onethe ability to pivot under pressure more flexible." last surprise up its sleeve. separated the good from the great.With record-breaking tagging THE 2025 NATIONALSefforts, new names rising to the top, BY THE NUMBERS and some of the closest team battles Champion Line Weight811 fish caught from 27 clubs in years, one thing is clearthe Angler - Kahawai: 95 striped marlin caught,future of NZ sport fishing is bright.Lee Drummond (New Plymouth SFC)93 tagged (97.89%) A massive congratulations to - 2.72 kg on 1 kg line, 272.00 points 28 broadbill caught,all anglers, teams, and clubs who A second title for Drummond,21 tagged (75%) participated in the 2025 NZSFC showing that sometimes finesse12 sharks caught, all tagged Nationals supported by Pelagic NZ.trumps brute force in fishing. 205 tuna caught, 160 tagged (78%) We\'ll see you next yearbigger, One pop-off satellite tagbetter, and ready for another eight TOP TEAMS & CLUBSsuccessfully deployed. days of world-class sport fishing.The battle between clubs was fiercely contested, with some of the closest finishes we\'ve seen in years.CD Rods Top Team Trophy:Team Oarsim (New Plymouth SFC) - 7 fish, 1,638.50 pointsMost Points Team Albacore:Kaizen (Pegasus Bay GFC) - 3 fish, 926.50 pointsMost Points Team Skipjack & Slender Tuna:Lexington (Hawkes Bay SFC) - 3 fish, 490.25 pointsJust 1.25 points ahead of Rapid Fire (Hawkes Bay SFC) in a mates-vs-mates showdown.Most Points Team Yellowtail:Marlena (Whangaroa SFC) - 5 fish, 510 pointsFINAL DAY MADNESSWith one day left the fight for the top spots was tighter than ever. Some anglers went all in, targeting that one big fish to change their fortunes. Others meandered home, fishing their way back to port past previous hotspots, hoping to end the tournament on a high.And just when we thoughtDaniel Boss with his winning we\'d seen it all, breaking news236.4kg broadbill on 37kg line hit - a 16kg wahoo was caughtand the crew from Trailer Trash. /FISHINGINGODZONE41'