The 2025 NZSFC Youth Nationals | An Introduction

It’s almost that time again! Get your crew together and gear prepped as the 2025 Youth Nationals is just around the corner. The event runs over 2 weeks from the 12th of April to the 27th of April. This competition falls over the school holidays making it easy to take part.  

INTRODUCTION TO THE NZSFC YOUTH NATIONALS

With a very similar format to “The Nationals” you are able to fish from anywhere within the country; meaning it is accessible to anyone. There are two age group sections in the tournament; the primary division and the high school division. The primary school sections include anyone who is in year 8 or younger and the high school section includes everyone in year 9 to 13. 

There are many fishing categories to cater to everyone's fishing styles. From a points section where fishing light line weights are key to success - to the overall heaviest for those targeting the big ones. There is also a tag and release section for those game fish fanatics, a photo section - and even a length section for the catch and release fishos too. 

This competition really does have something for everyone. Furthermore, the species span from marlin and swordfish to kahawai, snapper and everything in between - even blue cod for those South Island anglers! And to really add some spice, the competition is backed by some seriously good prizes sponsored by Daiwa NZ. It really is one hundred percent worth getting the young ones into this event!! Entry details can be found through your local club or more information online at the NZSFC Youth Nationals website.

HOW WE FISH THE YOUTH NATIONALS

We have fished the tournament since its beginning in 2022. For the most part we have targeted the overall champion angler section which takes your highest point scoring fish across all of the many species to create a total point score. This rewards those anglers who choose to target fish on lighter line weights as more points are obtained on this lighter line. Points are accumulated by the fish weight, times 100, divided by the line weight it was caught on. 

For example, a 5kg fish caught on 10kg line will gain 50 points whereas that same fish caught on 1kg line will gain 500 points. We do a lot of fishing with 1kg and 2kg line so this was a perfect opportunity for us to test our skills. There really is an art form to this ultra-light fishing as the margin for error is completely nonexistent.

SOME TIPS FOR FISHING THE NZSFC YOUTH NATIONALS 

My first tip is to choose your location wisely. Fishing deep water or reefy country is a hard ask for this light stuff as your stopping power is next to nothing. We favour the shallow sandy beaches as the fish can run freely (which it will!) without any worry of running to ground. Try to avoid places with lots of weed or debris in the water as this will also damage and possibly break the line overtime. I would also recommend starting with some heavier light weights such as 3 or 4kg before embarking on 1 and 2kg so that you learn some basics before getting frustrated with the really light gear!

My next tip is to have good gear and knots. Fishing ultralight gear is hard enough so having a nice smooth drag system and a light and responsive rod is a massive help. You can fish either a spin or overhead option depending on your own personal preference. Some great options for this light stuff is the Saltist SJ 200H on a light TD Zero 661HB filled with your desired line weight. Alternatively, as a spin option; pair a Saltist MQ or a TD Sol in the 2500 size, with a ultralight “Infeet” and you will have a deadly combo. 

Once your setup is sorted you want to ensure that your knots and rig are optimal. We always tie a double in the 1 or 2 kg line before tying our uni knot onto the swivel. This makes a massive difference in the knot strength onto the swivel and acts as a slight barrier above the swivel too. We tie a “spider's hitch” in the mainline to create a loop and have found this knot to be a great light line candidate. The terminal rig depends on where we are fishing but for the most part we will run a strayline style rig. This consists of a metre to a metre and a half of 20lb trace with a 5/0 circle hook on the other end. We will then add weight above the hook as necessary. Circle hooks are pretty much a must as trying to strike to set the hook with a J hook is likely to end in disaster! 

And lastly, and most of all, be patient! Fishing light tackle isn’t for those who want to skull drag fish in - settle in, enjoy every moment of the fish’s power and take your time getting the fish to the boat. 

Get the kids together and get prepped to spend some quality time on the water as there really is no better way to spend the school holidays! Tight lines everyone!

BY HAYDEN SPEED - Mayhem Fishing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hayden Speed is a member of Team Daiwa and a fanatical fisho who would be on the water 24/7 if uni wasn't getting in the way. Check out his videos on YouTube and be sure to follow him on Instagram.