Hundreds turned out for a monster weekend of fishing on Whanganui's South Beach.
The Monster Surf Casting Competition, organised by the Wanganui East Club Fishing Adjunct, was a real family affair with 454 senior and 84 junior participants competing over Saturday and Sunday, February 16-17. Competitors came from as far away as Wairoa, Whakatane and New Plymouth and one competitor was a visitor from Sydney.
Adjunct president Marty Esau said the new two-day format was a hit, with the organisers deciding to move to an "all-fish" competition over two days rather than the previous format where the first day was for kahawai only and the second day for all species.
"Everyone seems to like the new format and there was a good amount of fish caught," Esau said.
"We were still selling tickets on the Sunday morning. The sponsors really came to the party this year and we really appreciate that."