Stage set for long-weekend fishing contest

The crowd gathers for the fish auction and prizegiving at the Far North ITM Doubtless Bay Fishing Contest and Auction last year.

Everything's good to go for another blockbuster fundraising fishing competition at Doubtless Bay over Auckland Anniversary Weekend.

Event spokeswoman Danielle Moa said organisers were putting the finishing touches on preparations with days to spare.

"We're getting there," she said, adding local and wider business community had again come to the party - the prize pool for this year's event is already topping the $40,000 mark.

Matt Watson from the ITM Fishing Show will again be a special guest and in another highlight organisers have introduced two more categories for yellowfish tuna and packhorse cray.

Last year's event raised $26,000 and Danielle said the plan was to better that, with all proceeds going to local community-based projects.

Principal benefactors from this year's event include Kaitaia Hospice, Doubtless Bay St John, Mangonui Fire Brigade (to help purchase of a new van) and Taipa Sailing Club.

Proceeds will also help to pay the fares for two local students on the R Tucker Thompson training ship.

Danielle reminded the fish auctions on both days will take place from 4pm on Saturday and 3.30pm on Sunday.

"Sharp!" she emphasised, noting auctions will be followed by prizegiving then each day's prize winners with the overall winners for the weekend announced on Sunday.

- The Far North ITM Doubtless Bay Fishing Contest and Auction 2017 takes place this Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a community show and giveaways from 1pm to 4pm on both days while the weigh-in, auction and prizegiving takes place in the ampitheatre at the back of the Mangonui Fire Brigade.

Registration - $60 adults and $10 juniors (13 years and under) - can be done at ITM stores in Maunganui and Bay of Islands, Riders Sports Depot, Cooper's Beach Sport and Tackle, McCoy and Thomas Hunting and Fishing Kaitaia, Reel Rods, Gasoline Alley, Cooper's Beach and Taipa Tavern.

Last-minute ticket sales will be available from Cooper's Beach Sports and Tackle and the fire station from 6.30pm Friday and from 7-9am on Saturday morning.