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More than 80 anglers helped to reel in thousands of dollars for the Wish4Fish charity at its first winter fishing competition at the weekend.

Anglers weigh in their fish at Marble Bar. Photos by: Tracy Hardy.

A total of 85 anglers, including six children and three wheel chair bound anglers, from as far as Hamilton and Auckland registered for the competition.

The annual fishing competition raises funds for the non-charitable trust to purchase its own fully wheel-chair accessible vessel and to get beneficiaries to enjoy salt water activities.

Wish4Fish founder Bryce Dinneen says following on from a successful summer competition this March, this is the first winter competition they've held.

'It's been pretty awesome actually. The support for a winter competition in trying conditions has been awesome."

Bryce says 67 Kahawai and one Snapper were weighed in. All other categories were drawn as lucky angler prizes.

'The majority of fish caught were Kahawai because the competition was restricted to the harbour due to weather conditions and the safety of our anglers competing.”

Although he hasn't yet tallied up how much was raised at the event, Bryce is confident they received thousands of dollars to go towards the charity.

"The event raised funds far existing the budget and expectation due to fantastic angler and sponsor support."

Bryce says the momentum of the event continues with an annual fishing competition in Thames on October 18.

'It's been successful in the past and we'll be looking for over 150 anglers to compete on the 18^th.”

If anyone would like to support the Wish4Fish Charitable Trust, contact Bryce on 021 616 601. For more information about Wish4Fish, visit www.wish4fish.co.nz

Results are:

Average weight: Kahawai Chris Webb

Heaviest: Kahawai P. Pillay

Second heaviest: C Pilay

Third heaviest: J Pillay

Heaviest snapper: Jordan Tito caught on the MG Sports Fisher.