Organisers of the Rotorua Fishing and Casting Club's surf fishing bonanza at Matata this weekend have changed the competition's rules to open up the prizes to the less skilled fishers.

Past president Dave Brown says it is now an average weight competition and the change is due to the event increasingly being taken out by ‘semi-professional' anglers, leaving the rest prizeless.

Rotorua Fishing and Casting Club past president Dave Brown, hooking up a line ahead of the club's surf fishing bonanza at Matata.

There is still the snapper, kahawai, etc categories, but now the winning fish is decided on an average weight of the fish caught on the day.

It means they can dispense with the beach wardens, says Dave.

Also fishing time is extended by an hour with a start time at 7am to allow fishing during the change of light – and the competition headquarters has moved from the clubrooms at the eastern end of the Matata straight to Matata Tennis Club.

That's for traffic safety reasons, says Dave. The northern boundary of the fishing ground has also been moved a little. Beach access at the Otamarakau Stream will be closed.

There's a section for children aged under 12. Entry fees are $25 per rod or handline or $40 for two rods or handlines.

Fishing starts 7am this Sunday, concluding at 2pm, with the final weigh-in at 3pm sharp at Matata Tennis Club, Arawa St, Matata.

The fishing boundaries on the Matata Straights is bounded by the East of Otamarakau Park to west of Matata Domain and will be marked by signs/flags.

Last year's nearly 700 rod-holders competed for the prizes. 'We're looking forward to match or beat this number again this time around,” says Dave.

There will be a barbecue and a lolly scramble for children during weigh-in time. 'This is a great family day with everybody catered for.”

For tickets or information, see www.sportsground.co.nz/rotoruafcc or email rfcc@paradise.net.nz