Wish 4 Fish competition raises funds for charity trust's work

Wish 4 Fish charitable trust founder and trustee Bryce Dinneen is calling all anglers to dust off their fishing rods. Photo / George Novak

Keen anglers of all ages are being urged to sign up for the annual Wish 4 Fish Charity Fishing Competition later this month.

Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust creator and trustee Bryce Dinneen said the competition was one of the major fundraisers for the charitable trust and last year attracted 113 anglers.

"This year we hope to get at least 200 people to participate in this event. People don't necessarily have to fish, they can also come along to support us."

The trust, which was established in 2011 by Mr Dinneen who became a tetraplegic in 2007 following a swimming accident, enables people with disabilities to enjoy time out on the water.

He said the charity raised funds in different ways, including the annual charity fishing competition which is once again being held at Tauranga Sports Fishing Club, Sulphur Point between February 26-27.

A keen angler, Mr Dinneen loved fishing and wanted other people to have the experience.

"Competitors can fish from anywhere. Whether it is from a boat, the wharf, the rocks or the beach, as long as it was caught during the competition it will be eligible for the weigh-in, he said.

Mr Dinneen was still looking for sponsorship.

"We have received good support from local businesses, but would love to hear from anyone else who can help us or is willing to donate items suitable as spot prizes," he said.

Along with great prizes, there would be a charity and bait auctions, raffles and spot prizes. Mr Dinneen said the competition starts with a briefing at 7pm on February 26, fishing starts at 9pm, with the weigh-in the next day between 4pm and 6pm and prizegiving from 7.30pm.

All funds raised will go the Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust, he said.

The trust leased a boat to take people out fishing but the long-term goal was to build a 13-metre powered catamaran under an initiative called Project Noah, to be launched later this year.

The entry fee is $45 per adult, $150 per team of four anglers, and $15 per child.

Wish 4 Fish competition:

* When: Fishing starts, February 26.

* Weigh-in and prizegiving February 27.

* Five categories - snapper, kingfish, kahawai, mixed catch, kids.

* Lucky angler draw, spot prizes.

* Email bryce@wish4fishco.nz for entry forms.

* Or collect one at Tauranga Sport Fishing Club.