Easter Boat Fishing Contest set to be biggest one yet

Trevor Bailey and Grant Clark next to one many prizes up for grabs at the 12th Easter Boat Fishing Contest. Photo/Bevan Conley

Whanganui's 12th Easter Boat Fishing Contest is set to be the biggest yet with this year's entries coming in fast.

Organiser Trevor Bailey says so far they've seen 112 entries from around the country, from Wellington to the Coromandel.

Last year 184 fishermen took up the challenge but this year is set to top that.

"We've had quite a few come in. It seems to be the biggest we've had so far at this stage. We're expecting over 200."

"The competition's come along way from the 60 entries we would have had 12 years ago," says Mr Bailey.

Forty-five thousand dollars worth of prizes is up for grabs including a spot prize of a Yamaha outboard motor worth $3200 provided by Tasman Marine.

There are prizes for the biggest fish in each category including snapper, blue cod, gurnard, kahawai, tarakihi, john dory and trevally. Plus $600 worth of dive gear for the biggest crayfish.

The contest kicks off on Saturday, April 15 and continues on the Sunday. Boats are to leave the dock by 7am and are due back each day by 3pm.

Last year Tony Cvitanovich knocked the competition out of the pond with a 9.403kg snapper. Entry is $50.