Anglers can land a great catch and some impressive prizes while supporting a community service when the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard Fishing Competition returns this weekend.

With thousands of dollars in prizes, raffles and auctions, the three-day event promises plenty of excitement while raising funds for the volunteer organisation that helps keep people safe on the water.

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard operations manager Todd Wakerley said an “amazing bunch of prizes” was up for grabs.

“There are goodie bags for the first 50 boats registered, about $5000 in prizes for the fish categories, and another $5000 worth of spot prizes, plus a few items to be auctioned at prizegiving and some raffles.”

The competition’s major spot prize is a Takacat 2.2-metre boat with a Honda Marine 2.3hp outboard that sells for more than $3500, sponsored by The Boat Place, Honda Marine and Takacat. Every registered entrant will automatically go into the draw.

The competition runs from today to Sunday, with anglers competing for the longest snapper, kingfish, kahawai and trevally. First, second and third prizes are on offer for adults and juniors in each category.

Fishing is open to boats, kayaks, personal watercraft and land-based anglers. Entry is $50 for adults and $25 for under-16s. The first 50 skippers registered receive a free entry pack.

The compulsory briefing is at Tauranga Sport Fishing Club, Sulphur Point Marina, at 6.30pm tonight, and fishing starts immediately afterwards. Fish must be photographed on an approved competition measuring tape, with final entries submitted by 3pm on Sunday. Prize-giving follows at 6.30pm.

Major prize, a Takacat 2.2-metre boat, complete with a Honda Marine 2.3hp outboard, sponsored by The Boat Place, Honda Marine and Takacat.

Wakerley hoped the fundraiser would remind people of the vital work their support helped to fund.

The Tauranga crew recently responded to eight incidents in seven days. These included working with a police dive squad after a vehicle crashed into the water, preventing a yacht from grounding through navigation advice, and pulling two people from the water after a capsize.

The crew also assisted a jetski with electrical problems, searched for a missing kayaker, supported police with a welfare check, helped a boat with mechanical issues and assisted the Rescue Coordination Centre with a search after an emergency beacon was activated.

The incidents involved collaboration with police, Hone Hato St John, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Navy, other Coastguard units and the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter.

Wakerley said the workload highlighted the commitment required from volunteers.

“It all added up to very busy week with volunteers taking time off work to complete these taskings.

“Volunteers give up their own time, often leaving work and family commitments at short notice, to crew rescue vessels, operate radios, maintain equipment and coordinate responses.”

Skipper Richard Muth acknowledged the volunteers, their families and employers who supported their commitment.

“You have all put in mahi. Whether it is out on the boats, manning radios, maintaining the boats or fixing the radar, managing and coordinating our side of the incidents, being there when we’ve wanted to vent, or in the very many different roles, you have all played a part in these.

“My thanks to you all, and to your families and employers who have let you respond without notice.”

Wakerley said the fishing competition was a great opportunity for the community to get involved and support those who gave so much of their time to helping others.

To register, visit: www.tsfc.co.nz/event/tauranga-coastguard-fishing-competition-2026. For inquiries, phone Tauranga Sport Fishing Club on 07 578 6203.