RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please ensure you are familiar with the rules, terms and conditions of our online measure-based Competition.
Dates of Competition & Cost
The Mt Maunganui Sports Fishing (MMSFC) Measure Competition runs from 1st April 2026 until the 27th April 2026.
Thanks to very generous sponsorship, we have a fantastic line up of prizes. To be eligible for prizes, the entry fee is $35 for adults and $20 for children (16 years and under on 1st June 2025).
Prizegiving will be held on 29th April 2026 at 6.45pm, but come earlier for 6pm raffles night.
The 5 Species targets are:
Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, trevally, trout
Fishing Method & Area
The catch being entered must have been caught on a rod and reel within Chart 54 - Bay of Plenty East Coast; trout within the Bay of Plenty region.
Entries Per Day
A maximum of 1 entry per species per registered angler per day is permitted. Each individual fish can only be entered once - i.e. multiple entries of the same fish are not permitted by either the same or multiple individuals. For the purposes of eligibility for any prize draws, the date used is the date of fish capture and photograph taken, NOT the date of the photo upload.
All entries into the MMSFC Measure Competition will be automatically entered into the Export NZ Fishing Competition.
Photo Entries:
We require a digital photo that clearly shows the whole fish on the measure mat and confirms the measurement precisely from directly above. Fish placement needs to comply with the rules for measuring your catch (see "Measuring Your Catch” section below).
Fish must appear visibly fresh and in good condition. If you plan to keep the fish, ideally icky it, then clean the bloody mess for a clear photo read of both fish and measure mat.
Please be aware we may ask you for proof of photo date and time, this can be found in the photo property details and we can help you locate that information if required.
We will give you a laminated card with a number. Please take this card fishing with you and place it in the photo as best you can, whether it be on the middle of the fish or on the floor beside the fish- just don’t impede the length reading. This card is your angler number in the competition and it helps us be sure who caught that photographed fish. If you lose the card, remember your number, try writing your number on something else as a temporary solution and let us know.
MEASURING YOUR CATCH
A clear photo of the fish, correctly placed on the measure, is critical for your entry into the competition. It is your responsibility to provide an image that we can use to validate your entry. Place your fish on an official measure as shown above and take one or more digital photos that clearly shows the whole fish, placed side-on, on the measure with either the upper or lower jaw touching the edge of the L-shaped plastic end of the measure. Please take your photo in landscape format as a portrait photo can be difficult to assess and your catch may be declined.
Ensure the V of the tail is clearly visible and as close to the midline of the measure as possible. Take the photo from directly above the fish looking down on it rather than from the front or side. For your entry to be valid it's critical you take a good clear photo that complies with our rules. Your photo is the only way we can validate your entry so please make it a good one and take several just in case.
Here are some of the things that can go wrong with photos:
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Image not focused (length can't be verified).
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Spread the tail of the fish for the photo.
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Image doesn't show the whole fish on the measure (length can't be verified).
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Shadows - strong shadows may mean we can't verify the length. Photos are better taken in light shade with no shadow if possible or use a fill-in flash.
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Fish is gilled, partly gilled or gutted - entry may be declined or reduced in measurement
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Apply the rule of 'feet' - if you stand over and look down on the fish and your feet are in the shot, you're in the right position!
Defective Photograph Entry Examples
Your entry should look like the examples below
CHECKLIST
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Make sure the photo is high quality and meets above guidelines.
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The photo submitted must be in landscape format.
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Include your Angler number card in your fish photos without impeding measurement.
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Take several photos (just in case). Shadows can cause problems if the fish is placed in part sun/part shadow.
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The tip of either the upper or lower jaw must touch the edge of the L-shaped plastic end of the measure. It is permissible to place a hand on your fish or have someone hold the fish on the measure, or use a damp cloth on the fish to settle it while a photo is taken, provided this does not obscure the fish significantly or prevent The Export NZ Fishing Competition administrators from being able to validate your catch.
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The V of the tail should be as close to the midline of the measure as possible. Fish with a convex tail edge (john dory) should be placed so the tail edge is as close to parallel as possible to the graduated lines on the measure. All fish should be placed side-on the measure.
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The measure must be placed on a flat surface.
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The jaw of the fish must not be distorted in an attempt to exaggerate the length and the tail must sit naturally on the measure. If the jaw has been extended or the tail appears to have been squeezed together, the catch may be declined or a deduction in length may be made at the sole discretion of the administrators.
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Fish must be measured fresh and must not be significantly cut in a manner that alters the length. We strongly recommend you DO NOT gut or gill your catch before taking the photo as it MAY render the fish ineligible for the competition. Photos with the fish clean of any blood are preferred and images with blood obscuring measurement readings may be declined.
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Please note that your fish may not be eligible for entry to the Export NZ Fishing Competition if the above conditions are not met. The organisers reserve the right to accept an entry on the basis that an appropriate reduction in length is made for any non-compliance and/or the Fishing Competition administrators also reserve the right to disqualify any catch at their sole and absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever including, but not limited to, suspected measure tampering and false date submissions.
How is the length determined?
For species with a V tail, the innermost point of the V must touch or exceed the line on the measure to qualify for that 0.5cm increment. For example, if your fish is just over 40cm but does not reach the 40.5cm mark then the length recorded will be 40.0cm. For species with a straight or convex tail the measurement will be the point where the middle of the tail touches the measure. Please ensure your fish is placed so the tail is spread out and evenly spread, and the middle of the tail is along the midline of the measure.
Equal Length Measures
In the situation where fish entries are of equal length, winning prizes will go to the fish that was entered first.
Measures
All catches must be measured on an approved measure mat.
Below is a list of Measure Mats we consider approved. If you have a measure mat not listed here, please have it checked by a MMSFC Competition Coordinator before you start your fishing.
Additional Approved Measures:
Competition:
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Luremasters
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Moocher Hunters
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Hirepool Baitmates
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Placemakers
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Bayleys
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Surtees
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Extreme
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Beach & Boat
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Luremasters
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Riviera
Limited Edition:
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Black Magic
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Waipu Boat & Fishing Club
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Tairua Pauanui Fishing Club
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Mangowhai Boating &
Fishing Club
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Black Magic
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Yamaha
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Tindale
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Carters
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Browns Bay
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Fish City
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ITM
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IGFA
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Shimano
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LegaSea
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Berkley Fishing
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Ocean Angler
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Penguin Baits
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Whakatane Sportfishing Club
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Renwick Arms Fishing Comp
