Entries are officially open for the Surtees 18th Annual Fishing Competition, which is delighting fishing enthusiasts who were faced with the event being cancelled in early 2022.

The fishing competition will be held in February in Whitianga and is expected to attract many entries from across the North Island.

"We are back in Whitianga for the Surtees 18th annual Fishing Competition!! In the warm Summer month of February it will be the perfect time to catch up with the Surtees Tribe. With an amazing prize pool - you will not want to miss it," says a Surtees spokesperson.

"After most events and competitions were cancelled in early 2022, the rules and regulations have now eased to allow us to host events again for this coming summer."

The Surtees annual fishing competition will be held in Whitianga. Photo: Surtees.

The competition will be held on February 10 and 11, 2023.

Prize giving will take place on the Saturday night.

"Making the most of the hot summer months, enjoying the fishing around the beautiful Coromandel with your crew, as well as catching up with fellow Surtees Tribe members- the competition will take care of all of that! It will again be a measure and release competition, making sure we are fishing responsibly and taking care of our precious fisheries, thanks to the great entry mechanism from Fishing.net," says a competition spokesperson.

"All of our amazing sponsors have contributed to increase our prize pool, to award not just the best fish, also the early birds, lucky anglers, boat prizes as well as best photo prize and hard luck stories.

"A high value Goodie bag will be given to every crew and thanks to Honda and Garmin there will be breakfast waiting on the ramp every morning. What a weekend to be part of."

The Surtees annual fishing competition will be a measure and release competition. Photo: Surtees.

Anyone wanting to take part is encouraged to get their tickets as soon as possible, enter their crew and save a spot for a chance for one of the Early Bird Prizes, which close on November 25.

"We are all excited to bring the Surtees 18th annual Fishing Competition back to Whitianga on the 10/11th of February 2023! See you all in Whitianga."