Te Puke Emergency Services Fishing Club holds annual competition

Mike Maassen with last year's second-heaviest kingfish.

The Te Puke Emergency Services Fishing Club is holding its annual fishing competition from March 15-17.

Money from the competition is to donate funds to emergency services such as Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade, Maketū Coastguard, TECT Rescue Helicopter and St John Ambulance. Last year more than $4000 was donated.

There are good first, second and third prizes for snapper, kahawai and trout and a first prize for kingfish. There are also children's prizes for snapper, kahawai and trout as well as lots of spot prizes and at least two major spot prizes thanks to generous sponsorship.

Briefing with spot prizes is on March 14 at 7pm at Te Puke fire station. Prizegiving, also with spot prizes and a free barbecue, is on March 17 at 6.30pm, also at the fire station.

Club member Mike Maassen says the annual competition is always a great deal of fun.

" March is a great time for a fishing competition with hopefully settled weather and plenty of fish around," he says. "If the weather does turn bad, there is always the option of fishing the Tauranga Harbour which is quite productive at this time of the year."

Tickets are limited to 100 entries and are available at Te Puke Sports World.