FISHING enthusiasts from all over the North Island have been lured into Wanganui this weekend & hook line and sinker.
This Saturday will see the launch of the Wanganui Manawatu Sea Fishing Club's 19th annual three-day fishing tournament, which organisers hope will top the charts for attracting the most participants in tournament history.
Last year the event attracted 485 participants and 142 boats. Chief organiser Terry Liggett said this year they are hoping to draw in over 500 participants.
"We already have 298 early bird entrants, whereas this time last year we had 180."
With registrations still to be counted on Friday, Mr Liggett said there was every indication this year will be bigger than last year.
But the fishing ground still won't be overcrowded it covers the area from Patea down to Whangaehu.
And there are plenty of incentives to get on board. The prize pool this year is approximately $35,000 - one of the largest prize pools in the lower North Island.
"Top prize of $1,000 will go to the heaviest snapper, while there are up to 15 prizes for each specie group: snapper, blue cod, kahawai, terakihi and gurnard," Mr Ligget said.
"Spot prizes will be also be given out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the vicinity of 1800 per day."
If the weather Gods do not favour the tournament, then "all prizes will go on contestant entry form numbers if no fishing commences".
The tournament is for amateur fishers only. Fishing is restricted to rod/cord fishing, with long lines prohibited.
Weather permitting, participants can look forward to an action packed three days, filled with fishing, organised entertainment on Saturday and Sunday night and a fish auction Sunday afternoon.
Mr Ligget said money from the fish auction would go toward repairs and maintenance of the Wharf St slipway which, with the exception of this weekend, is available for public use.
Fishing contest reels in anglers
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