A Tauranga couple are reeling after hooking the ultimate trout fishing prize from throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty region.

Retirees Eric and Elaine Kinnaird have been fishing for more than 40 years but are still surprised to win the prize package.

Eric and Elaine Kinnaird are the Eastern Fish & Game Ultimate family trout fishing prize.

'He [Eric] was speechless,” says Elaine.

'He's never won anything in his life.”

The first prize includes $1400 worth of fishing gear, Rotorua hotel accommodation and local theme park passes, and a guided trout fishing adventure.

Second prize went to Douglas and Karina Charmley from Turangi, and Kawerau's David and Marie Moncur took out third.

To qualify for the draw, a family licence had to be purchased for the Eastern region before December 31, 2013.

But this wasn't difficult for the Kinnairds, who have been purchasing trout licences since they became available.

The couple, who have been fishing together throughout the decades, taking their childrenand now grandchildren fishing too, say it is 'very special.”

These days they have three grandchildren visiting frequently, two girls aged 12 and 10 and a boy of 14-years-old.

The pair lived in Whakatane for many years, Eric working as a builder and Elaine at the local board mill. They holidayed at Gisborne Point on Lake Rotoiti for many years where one occasion they each caught an 11 pound fish on the same day.

Fish & Game eastern region manager Rob Pitkethley says staff are delighted to meet the couple who are 'very deserving” winners, given their dedication to trout fishing through the years, and contribution to the management of the fishery – via the purchase of so many family fishing licences.

'It's very pleasing to be able give something back to Eric and Elaine,” says Rob.