The auction of fish caught at the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza raised $14,295 for the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade, when they were put under the hammer at Kaitāia Markets on Saturday
The event is in its 15th year after replacing the Snapper Classic, which ended in 2009 after 27 years, and since then it has gone from strength to strength as the country’s largest surfcasting competition. It offers well over $200,000 in prizes, including $30,000 for the heaviest snapper caught and a new Mitsubishi Triton from the $150,000 in spot prizes and the major draw.
But local expertise isn’t a guarantee of success in this gruelling, five-day fishing marathon.
While about a third of the competitors – and thousands more supporters – are from the Far North, that local knowledge didn’t necessarily equate to success, with only three of the previous winners from the Far North, and Ra now making it 4.
And while the main focus on the competition is the action on the beach, the Snapper Bonanza brings millions to the local economy and also benefits charity. Around 120 fish caught on during the competition were auctioned off on Saturday at the Kaitāia Markets, raising $14,295 for the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Sarah-Jane Harris-Smith won a 2026 Mitsubishi Triton in the lucky prize draw at the Snapper Bonanza
Among other winners were Sarah-Jane Harris-Smith, who scored a 2026 Mitsubishi Triton in the lucky prize draw at the Snapper Bonanza.
The team first prize went to 4 Up, from Kaeo,with second place going to Big Bent Rods from Thames.
Tickets for the 2027 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza will go on sale in June and will likely quickly sell out.
Check out the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza on social media for full results.