The Snapper Bonanza is a thrilling fishing competition that draws anglers from all over New Zealand to the stunning Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North. With the chance to win a grand prize of $30,000, over 1000 participants gather each year to test their skills in this iconic surfcasting contest. The event, known as the world’s largest surfcasting competition, is a hot ticket item, with all 1200 available tickets selling out within hours of release.
Returning contestants like Justin Edgecombe from Pukenui find themselves lured back by more than just the prize money. For Edgecombe, it’s the camaraderie, the love of fishing, and the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family that keeps him coming back for his 10th shot at glory. Despite challenging conditions, including harsh winds and tough fishing, Edgecombe remains optimistic about his chances.
For others like Jane Raybould, the Snapper Bonanza is a chance to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Raybould, who runs a business on Waiheke Island, sees the competition as a way to focus on fishing and enjoy the serene beauty of Ninety Mile Beach. She appreciates the well-organized nature of the event and the sense of community it fosters among participants.
Angling Adventures on Ninety Mile Beach
The competition, which spans from Tuesday to Saturday, features fishing in different zones each day, with strict rules that limit fishing to the beach only. Participants must adhere to regulations prohibiting casting from rocks or boats, with vigilant patrols ensuring compliance. Each evening, fishers and supporters gather at Bonanza headquarters to socialize, share stories, and vie for daily cash prizes and spot prizes totaling $150,000.
Cash prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught each day, with a grand prize of $30,000 awaiting the angler who lands the heaviest fish of the contest. In addition, a $10,000 prize is up for grabs for the fish closest to the average weight. The most coveted spot prize is a Mitsubishi Triton ute valued at over $50,000. Amidst the excitement of the competition, participants form lasting bonds and create memories that keep them coming back year after year.
From Florida to Te Kaha: Casting a Wide Net
While many participants hail from New Zealand, some, like Harrison Gardiner from Dunedin, Florida, travel great distances to compete in the Snapper Bonanza. Gardiner’s journey, inspired by a friend’s recommendation, highlights the universal appeal of the event and the warm hospitality of fellow competitors. Whether driven by the thrill of the competition or the desire to explore a new fishing environment, participants like Gardiner make the event a truly global affair.
Another dedicated angler, Rickii-Lee Parekura, embarks on a nine-hour drive from Te Kaha to test her skills on Ninety Mile Beach. For Parekura, the unique challenges of surfcasting on the west coast offer a thrilling change of pace from her usual fishing spots. The dynamic conditions of the beach, including surf surges and unpredictable weather, add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the fishing experience.
As the competition heats up, Skarn Hokai emerges as the frontrunner, with a 6.62kg fish putting him in the lead. With the weigh station closing at 4.30pm on Saturday, Hokai faces a nail-biting wait to see if he can maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard. His dedication to the event, coupled with his desire to support the local community and his family, exemplifies the spirit of the Snapper Bonanza.
In 2011, the contest was revived as the Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza by two Kaitāia businessmen, John Stewart and Dave Collard, who recognized its importance to the Far North economy. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and success, attracting a diverse group of anglers and spectators each year. The camaraderie, competition, and connection to the local community make the Snapper Bonanza a cherished tradition that continues to thrive.
Despite early challenges and tough fishing conditions, participants remain optimistic about the final day of the competition. With expectations running high for a spectacular finish, anglers prepare to reel in their last catches and await the announcement of the overall winner. As the sun sets on Ninety Mile Beach, the legacy of the Snapper Bonanza lives on, fueled by the passion and dedication of its participants.