A new nationwide fishing competition is putting modern technology in the hands of Kiwi anglers, with a format built around catch and release rather than the traditional weigh-in.
The SnapCatch Classic, powered by the SnapCatch app, is open for registration now and opened on 30 March, running through to 10 May, wrapping up just ahead of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland.
Free to enter, the competition lets anglers compete by species using AI technology to log their catches. Instead of a traditional weigh-in, participants use an official AI Measure Mat to record fish length, then measure, snap, submit and release. The timing is deliberate. Several traditional competitions have folded in recent years as fish numbers decline, and SnapCatch is positioning itself as the alternative.
“Fishing is part of who we are as Kiwis,” says SnapCatch founder Paul Minton.
“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. A live leaderboard will run throughout before going blind ahead of prizegiving.
The prize pool is worth approximately $25,000, with the top prize, a Suzuki DF2.5 outboard, going to the angler who lands the longest fish overall. Other prizes include a Lowrance Elite FS9, Lowrance Eagle Eye 9, Yamaha grab bag packages, a 12V 1400A Intelli-Start Professional Lithium Jump Starter, Ultimate Rod Racks rod holders, and Motomuck products.
Prizegiving takes place live on the main stage at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show at 3pm on Saturday 16 May.
Helen Kay, General Manager at XPO Exhibitions, says the competition is a strong fit for the 2026 show.
“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.”
Registration takes less than two minutes at snapcatch.co.nz. The first 300 entrants receive a free official AI Measure Mat.
The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show runs 14th-17th May at the Auckland Showgrounds.
For more information, visit boatshow.co.nz
