A new nationwide fishing competition launched on 17 March — and it’s built for the future of fishing.
The SnapCatch Classic, powered by the innovative SnapCatch app, opens for registration from 17 March and goes live from 30 March through to 10 May, wrapping up just ahead of this year’s Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.
This free-to-enter competition gives Kiwi anglers the chance to compete by species, log their catches via AI technology, and win a share of a prize pool worth approximately $25,000 — including a Suzuki DF2.5 outboard motor for the longest fish overall.
Unlike traditional weigh-in competitions, SnapCatch uses AI species recognition and official measure mats to record fish length via the app. Anglers simply measure, snap, submit and release — a modern, sustainable approach to competitive fishing.
The launch follows recent reports of fishing competitions shutting down due to declining fish numbers, highlighting growing pressure on traditional formats. SnapCatch offers a smarter alternative — promoting responsible fishing, real-time leaderboard and catch-and-release practices.
Paul Minton, Founder of SnapCatch, comments, “Fishing is part of who we are as Kiwis. But as the sport grows, we also need smarter ways to protect it. SnapCatch gives anglers the opportunity to measure, record and release their catch, allowing people to compete seriously while supporting responsible fishing practices. It’s simple, it’s fair, and it’s built with sustainability in mind.”
The competition is open to all New Zealand anglers, with dedicated Open and Kids sections across key species including Snapper, Kingfish, Trevally, Kahawai, Blue Cod and Tarakihi.
Major prizes include:
• Lowrance Elite FS9
• Lowrance Eagle Eye 9
• 12V 1400A Intelli-Start Professional Lithium Jump Starter and Power Bank – IS1400
• Yamaha grab bag packages
• Ultimate Rod Racks rod holder
• Motomuck
• And the overall longest fish prize: a Suzuki DF2.5 outboard
A live leaderboard will run throughout the competition before going blind ahead of prizegiving.
Helen Kay, General Manager at XPO Exhibitions, which owns and operates The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, says the competition adds a dynamic new element to the 2026 event.
“This is exactly the kind of innovation the industry needs. It gets people out on the water, connects them digitally, and brings them back to the Show to celebrate. It’s inclusive, nationwide, and it aligns with where recreational fishing is heading.”
Prizegiving will take place live on the main stage at The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show at 3pm on Saturday 16 May.
Registration takes less than two minutes via snapcatch.co.nz. The first 300 entrants receive a free official AI Measure Mat.
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show
Auckland Showgrounds | 14–17 May 2026
www.boatshow.co.nz
