Police are planning the next steps of their search for a Bay of Plenty fisherman who has been missing since Easter.

Jason Kauta has not been seen since he went out fishing in Tōrere Bay in Ōpōtiki on the morning of Sunday, April 17.

Police were alerted that evening when he failed to return from his trip.

Friends and family are continuing to appeal for any sightings of Jason.

'Police Search and Rescue involved in the search for the overdue Tōrere fisherman are reviewing search activity to date and planning any next steps,” says a police spokesperson today.

'A wooden oar and a piece of rope were reported washed up at Bryans Beach, Ohiwa, over the weekend and are thought to have belonged to the man.

'This is essential information and will help police plan for further search activity.”

Police continue to ask that members of the public who may be on the shoreline from Tōrere through to Maketū be vigilant and report any sightings of the following items of interest:

-a red tote tank

-a wooden oar

-a yellow life jacket.

Anyone who comes across any of these items is asked to contact Police on 105 quoting file number 220418/0391.

Jason hasn't been seen or heard from since going fishing near Tōrere on April 17.