Lure still there for local fisho

Paul Laugesen has entered every Wanganui Manawatu Sea Fishing Club 3-day tournament since its inception 27 years ago. Photo / Stuart Munro

In a fortnight anglers from all over the central North Island will again descend on Whanganui for the Anniversary Weekend 3-day fishing tournament.

It will be the 27th year the event has been hosted by the Wanganui Manawatu Sea Fishing Club and a big field is expected for the tournament which starts on January 23. There have been more than 160 earlybird entries, which is well over double last year's numbers.

About 240 people from all over the central North Island competed in last year's event.

Back again this year will be Whanganui man Paul Laugesen, who has entered every year with great success.

"Every year I think I'm not going to do that again, but when it comes around you get keen again," Mr Laugesen said. "Particularly because we're involved in the running of it."

Like any good angler, Mr Laugesen keeps his cards close to his chest.

"You go looking for new spots all the time, rather than pinching somebody else's."

Entrants will be in the running for prizes from a pool valued at $30,000 in a range of categories. One of the big things is the fish auction, which will be held at 4.30pm on January 24 at the WMSFC clubrooms.

"It's a good community event for the Castlecliff area," club Commodore Brian Tapa said.

Entries can be taken up until the start of the event.

For more information visit wanganuimanawatuseafishing club.co.nz