Record numbers at Whanganui's Easter Fishing Boat Contest

Fishermen line up to weigh each catch one-by-one. Photo / Stuart Munro

Just as Brian Howes was about to reel in, his line tugged and he knew he was in for a winner.

His result - a 9.45kg snapper.

"I'll be feeding well tonight and many more to come, that's for sure," Mr Howes said.

The Whanganui fisherman was among hundreds showing off their "best catch of the day" down at the Wharf Street Slipway at Castlecliff yesterday afternoon.

All were lining up to weigh in their winners one-by-one for Whanganui's 13th annual Easter Fishing Boat Contest.

Fishermen line up to weigh each catch one-by-one. Photo / Stuart Munro

Co-organiser of the event Grant Clark said this year was by far the biggest Easter comp yet.

"We had just over 90 boats entered and around 300 anglers - which are our record numbers," Mr Clark said.

Unfortunately, the two-day event became one-day when fishing was called off on Saturday because of rough conditions.

Mr Clark said people came from all over the North Island to fish off Whanganui, especially in this Easter comp.

"We had people from Taranaki, Horowhenua, Manawatu and some from Hawke's Bay - it's great."

He said Whanganui was prime spot for sea boat fishing.

"On a good day you'll see dozens and dozens of boats come over from the Manawatu because, not so much our launching facilities but it's good fishing and it's easy to get out."

Fishermen line up to weigh each catch one-by-one. Photo / Stuart Munro

All competitors had five hours to launch, fish and be back in time for a 3pm weigh-in.

There were eight categories including; snapper, blue cod, gurnard, kahawai, tarakihi, john dory, trevally and a dive section for crayfish; and $45,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

"It was a great day out, and I think everybody really enjoyed it," Mr Clark said.