Charity fishing event hooks family

Sophie Cox (left), 10, Ella Lory, 2, and parents Leanne and Andrew Lory celebrate their catch at the weigh-in during the Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust fishing competition. Photo / George Novak

More than 100 keen anglers took part in the annual Wish 4 Fish Charity Fishing Competition at the weekend - including Bellevue couple Leanne and Andrew Lory and daughters Ella and Sophie.

Mrs Lory said she and her family entered the Tauranga tournament for first time after seeing a flyer at Tauranga Sports Fishing Club, Sulphur Point.

They caught 10 fish, including a 2.5kg snapper and the experience caught their hearts as well.

"It was really a lot of fun and we met lots of cool people. We do like to go out fishing and it's a great cause to support," she said.

While the family did not win any of the major category prizes, Sophie, 10, won a children's spot prize package and the family also had plenty of tales about the big ones that got away.

The trust, established in 2011 by Tauranga's Bryce Dinneen, who became a tetraplegic in 2007 after a swimming accident, allows disabled people to enjoy time on the water.

The tournament proceeds, still being counted, will go towards the cause.

There were five major prize categories, including first, second and third-heaviest snapper, kingfish, kahawai, mixed catch and average weights, as well as spot prizes for children.

After spending time with Mr Dinneen, Mrs Lory said she and her husband had offered him the use of their 8m boat for future trips out on the water.

Mr Dinneen, the People's Choice winner in last year's Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year awards, said the competition was one of three annual major fundraisers for the trust.

"It was a great day out with 105 anglers, 240 fish caught," he said. "The charity event was well supported by the anglers and funds raised were well above which we budgeted for. With a lot of people supporting the charity we're excited for our next event which will be held in August."

Mr Dinneen said he wanted to thank MC Bruce "Plod" Gordon, Tauranga Sports Fishing Club, the volunteers and anglers.