It's more than just reeling in the best catch. It's about having fun and enjoying the sport.

The Wish4Fish Charity Fishing Competition this Saturday will see amateur and expert anglers, divers and spear fishers grapple with a fish for charity.

Wish4Fish is a not-for-profit organisation that gives people with a variety of mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience salt water activities.

Trustee member Bryce Dinneen says the competition is a great opportunity for new people to get involved in the community and hone in on their fishing skills.

'The more the merrier,” says Bryce. 'People are welcome to fish in their boats, kayaks or on the beach.

'Wish4Fish is all about people and giving them the opportunity to get out on the water.

'The fishing club is really cool because it opens it up to the general public. You don't have to be a club member and you don't have to have lots of experience.”

While the weather isn't looking great for the day, Bryce says even if they were to postpone, people will always come.

'Last year the weather wasn't looking the greatest so we had to restrict it to the harbour, but we signed up about 80 people in 60 minutes.

'However, we are keeping an eye on the weather and will reschedule accordingly. Safety is paramount.”

Categories include snapper, kingfish, kahawai and terakihi. Underwater fish will weighed and auctioned off on Saturday night as per MPI regulations.

The winner of the average weight snapper will win $1000, average weight kahawai $500, heaviest kingfish $500 and one lucky angler draw winner will win products and goodies to the value of $500. Every competitor will receive an event t-shirt, and spot prizes will be handed out to kids.

The Wish4Fish Charity Fishing Competition will start with a briefing on Friday, February 22, at 7pm at the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club on Sulphur Point. At 9pm, fishing will start and continue until 4pm on Saturday, February 23, before the weigh in and prize giving. These dates, however, are weather dependant.

Entry fee is $45 per person or $160 per team (four people max). Kids can enter for $15 each. For more information, or to acquire an entry form, call Bryce Dinneen on: 021 616 601 or email: [email protected]. People can also register on the day.

For regular updates, visit the fishing competition W4F 2019 Facebook Page.