Fishers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get their rods and reels out for the second annual Wish4Fish fishing competition this weekend.

Wish4Fish founder Bryce Dinneen hopes the event on March 1 will blow last year's competition out of the water, with higher registration numbers and big results.

Tauranga Sports Fishing Club manager Grant Holley and Wish4Fish founder Bryce Dinneen.

'We're looking to really build it up, we had 54 fishers last year; and this year we're hoping for 154.”

While the basic details are the same as last year's inaugural event – which sees all funds raised go to The Wish4Fish Charitable Trust – Bryce says this weekend's prize pool has grown significantly.

'We have had amazing support from local businesses and organisations.”

Tauranga Sport Fishing Club at Sulphur Point Marina is providing the venue, where briefing and registration takes place today at 7pm. This will include spot prizes, bait auctions, raffles and family fun.

Entrants will start fishing from 6am on Saturday, with fishing finishing at 4pm and the weigh-in from 4pm-6pm.

Prize-giving, at 7.30pm, will feature a live auction with items including a month's free advertising on SunLive and Waterline Online, and a half-day fishing charter with three Super Rugby Chiefs players.

'It's not about competition,” says Bryce.

'It's about embracing the day, and having fun. It's a charity about disabilities, but this event is for everyone.”

Competition entry costs $40 per person or $120 per team, with four people maximum, and $15 for children. Register early through the club or by emailing [email protected], or attend registration on Friday.

'This is all about promoting Wish4Fish, lifting the profile, having fun and raising some money.”

Bryce started Wish4Fish in the hopes of encouraging and aiding salt water activities, including fishing for the mentally and physically challenged. He has been chair-bound since suffering severe spinal injuries in 2007.