Bay of Plenty anglers are invited to hook into a fishing competition this Friday and Saturday that boosts the coffers of one of Katikati’s most deserving community groups – the local volunteer fire brigade.

Fire Up Sports is once again hosting the annual Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition, which is on this Friday, February 23, and Saturday, February 24.

Organiser Mike Innes says tickets cost $30 per adult and $15 per child aged under 16 – and can be snapped up now – and right up until 2pm Saturday.

“We’re hosting a briefing on Thursday night, February 22, from 6pm at Katikati Rugby Club,” says Mike.

“Then fishing begins 8am Friday, February 23, with the weigh-in from 2pm-5pm Saturday, February 24 at the rugby club. Boats can be launched from Waihi Beach to Tauranga.”

This year the major cash prize is $1000 for the average weight snapper in the combined Adults and Kids’ sections. One fish per person per category can be entered.

There will be average weight first, second and third prizes for snapper, trevally, kahawai; plus a land-based average weight first prize for the snapper, trevally, kahawai; a heaviest prize for both snapper and kingfish; a dive section combined adults and kids’ prize; and a heaviest crayfish prize.

“At prizegiving we’ll also have a bouncy castle, lolly scrambles, blind auction raffles, and the rugby club bar is open to order food and beverages form 1pm Saturday.

“You can even get your fish filleted for $1 each!”

To add some real fun to the competition, anglers are invited to post their worst, best and/or funniest photo on the Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition Facebook page – with the photo receiving the most ‘likes’ receiving a prize.

Mike says last year the competition entrants filled the rugby clubroom – despite it being held the week after Cyclone Gabrielle tore through Aotearoa.

But this weekend he wants to see even more people enter – and support the local fire brigade by doing so.

“The more people who enter the competition, the better! And this weekend is looking superb, and so prizegiving will be held outdoors!”

Mike says all proceeds from the competition will go directly back to the Katikati Fire brigade, to continue their life-saving work in the community.

“In the past year the brigade has attended 129 callouts.

“This includes six structure fires, four specialist calls, three vee3gtattion fires, 53 false alarms, 15 medical, 14 public assist, one HAZMAT incident, 13 other, and 20 vehicle accidents.”

Tickets to the annual Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition can be purchased at Fire Up Sports, 3A Marshall Place, Katikati. Or online at: www.bit.ly/KVFBtickets