Hook Beach - fishing and fun

The Waimate District’s eastern boundary is a long stretch of stony coastline. There are some excellent fishing spots along it. Hook Beach, near Makikihi, is known as one of South Canterbury’s best fishing beaches.

Hook Beach, along with the Waihao Box beach, is a popular spot for elephant fish and rig. You can also catch shark and skate along this part of the coast. The months of October to December are the prime time for elephant fish. The best time for going after rig is in the evening, when the light is going from dusk to dark.

Seals are regular visitors to these rocky beaches, you can often see dolphins out to sea, and if you’re really lucky the occasional whale.

To get there turn off State Highway 1 onto Hook Swamp Road, (near Butlers Berry Barn). Take a right turn onto Hook Beach Road and follow it along to the end. Google Map

Hook Beach Fishing Competition

In a bid to encourage families to get into fishing, the Waimate Angler’s Club hold an annual fishing contest at Hook Beach in November. You can even camp out there the night before.

The entry fee is $10, which forms part of the prize money, children under 14 are free.

There is plenty of parking on the day in a well signposted paddock. Bring your own fishing gear, bait is supplied, and some sinkers are available for purchase.

There are lots of prizes and trophies, and every child who enters gets a backpack with lots of sponsored goodies in it.

Fishing starts from 8.30am, but you can turn up at any time. Weigh in is at 2pm, and prize giving at 3pm.

The aim of the day is a fun family day out. There are a few rules guiding the competition but the most important are to have fun, stay safe, take away all rubbish with you, and fish within the legal limit in order to promote sustainability.