Local anglers have their hopes up this weekend for the DeCoro Soft Bait Masters fishing competition.

It's the first major competition in the western BOP since the Rena struck the Astrolabe Reef on October 5, and the ensuing disruption to local fishing grounds.

A 600mm snapper caught at the competition on Saturday.

The competition which is judged on length of fish is being caught in the Tauranga harbour and surrounding waters, with some entries coming from the Coromandel.

There were about 100 entries registered this morning

Rain and about a 1.5 metre swell outside the harbour is discouraging some, but the kayakers are still expected to put in a strong showing.

Weigh in is at the Tauranga Game Fishing Club 3.30-4pm.

'This is great timing for us – the fishing's amazing at the moment and health authorities have given the green light to eat fish and crayfish from the Bay of Plenty again. I think we could be looking at some new fishing records this weekend!” says organiser Kane Tapper from De Coro Fishing Supplies.