The Million Dollar Snapper is on the move, but not too far away

The Million Dollar Snapper is on the move, but not too far away

13 March 2015, 4:36PM
Blomfield PR

The Million Dollar Snapper Challenge, the fishing contest where one of 50 tagged snapper released in the Hauraki Gulf is worth a cool $ Million, has moved to new dates and now will run from  22nd - 31 May, 2015.

Organiser Dave Baty, Managing Director of Prestige Events says that the date change was to move the contest to clear space in the Auckland calendar, and to suit new sponsors.

"It’s a good date and we’re working with NIWA to get those fish tagged and released for the many fishermen we expect to take up the challenge,” said Baty.

“People are excited about the challenge and have dreamed up all kinds of strategies as to how to catch the winning fish,” he said.

“And what is so great is that a 10 year old boy or a fishing veteran could win - it is about the fish, not the size,” said Baty.

An innovative ‘catch and release’ competition, the Million Dollar Snapper Challenge has been created by Prestige Events in consultation with NIWA, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council utilising smartphone technology to allow fishers to participate, and at the same time contribute important data for research.

NIWA staff will tag and release 50 snapper into the greater Auckland Hauraki Gulf - each tagged snapper corresponds to a major prize, one of which will be worth $1,000,000, payable in annual instalments of $50,000.

There is also an additional $250,000 in prizes that must be won, including a Fryan/Honda Marine Boat package, an Isuzu D-Max Ute and much more, making it the richest prize pool of any fishing competition in the country.

The 10 day period for the contest is likewise designed to make it inclusive to families.

“The duration of the contest is based on the weather conditions and when people are available to fish. A one day contests limits the entrants who are tied up with family, working, attending other events.  By allowing the wider window for this event we are accommodating the people who can the decide which day they fish – weekend or week day. 

"Weekends are also family time and allowing week day fishing means mates can take a day off to fish,” he said.

And the fishermen and women are not the only winners in the contest, with data gathered from the competition fed back to NIWA to provide insights and enabling representatives to be better informed on the total recreational catch when attending fisheries management and allocation forums.

Tony Craig, Partner and Creator of the ‘fish4all’ smartphone app being used in the contest believes keen recreational fishermen will only benefit from being able to record where, when and how many fish they catch - creating a greater insight into New Zealand's fish stocks and recreational interest in them.

“The App has so much downstream potential for the recreational sector beyond just data.

“Through “responsibility” the sector will take back control of its destiny,” Tony said.

And charities also benefit from the Million Dollar Snapper comp, with proceeds from competition entry go to Cure Kids, the Auckland Coastguard and Bluelight Foundation charities.

“The Hauraki Gulf is one of Auckland’s premiere fisheries so we want to encourage people to get outside with family, friends or colleagues and enjoy the challenge that fishing brings,” says Baty.

For further competition details and registration head to www.snapperchallenge.co.nz

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