Competitors at the Wanganui-Manawatu Sea Fishing Club annual tournament this weekend won't be talking about the one that got away - they can boast about the one they let go.
For the first time this year, the competition will include a "catch and release" category with a prize pool of $1600.
"We are introducing this conservation category to instil a sense of pride in our club and it is reflective of our ethos as recreational anglers," said club treasurer Darell Healy.
Another special feature this year is guest judge Matt Watson from the TVNZ's ITM Fishing Show, who will be presenting the prizes on Monday.
Life-long fisherman and self-taught film-maker Watson has fished most of the world's oceans and appeared on numerous British and American TV shows.
He will be presenting prizes from a total pool of $30,000 including the Hunting and Fishing Big Three trophy, valued at $1500.
To be eligible for the prize, a boat crew enter their largest snapper, kahawai and blue cod that can be caught by anyone on the boat.
"We have had a larger number of earlybird entries this year and we are expecting around 300 anglers coming from Palmerston North, Fielding, Taihape, Marton, South Taranaki and southern Hawkes Bay," Mr Healy said.
The competition, now in its 26th year, has seen a number of large fish caught including a 2.6kg cod, a 7.58kg snapper and a kingfish that was over 8kg.
Another highlight is the public auction to be held at the clubrooms at 1 Wharf St, Wanganui, on Sunday at 4.30 where there will be opportunity to bid for the fresh sea produce. Proceeds go towards the upkeep of the clubrooms and wharf.
The three-day competition runs January 17-19 with the prize giving on Monday.
Entry forms are available from Hunting and Fishing and Marine Services Wanganui or you can contact Darell Healy on 027 504 0030.