The Reel Oarsome Fishing Competition.
Welcome to the J. A. Russell Ltd. Reel Oarsome Fishing Competition 2026. This is a length-based fishing competition. Release of your fish after submission is at the angler’s discretion.
Competition Dates
The Reel Oarsome Fishing Competition runs on the following dates and times:
Auckland Tournament – Friday 20th February 2026, 6.00AM – 3.30PM. Prizegiving starts at 4.30PM at the Grammar TEC Rugby Club, Orakei.
Wellington Tournament – Friday 20th February 2026, 6.00AM – 3.30PM. Prizegiving starts at 4.30PM at the Mana Cruising Club, Porirua.
Bay of Islands Tournament – Friday 20th February 2026, 6.00AM – 2.30PM. Prizegiving starts at 3.00PM at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island.
Bay of Plenty Tournament - Friday 20th February 2026, 6.30AM – 4.00PM. Prizegiving starts at 5.00PM at the Tauranga Sports Fishing Club.
Coromandel Tournament - Friday 27th February 2026, 6.00AM – 4.00PM. Prizegiving starts at 6.30PM at the Star and Garter Hotel, 5 Kapanga Rd, Coromandel.
Take a photo of your catch on the ‘ofishal’ Reel Oarsome measuring mat (pictured below) and upload a photo to the Reel Oarsome competition site. Tips and tricks for getting the clearest submission photo can be found under the Rules tab. The Reel Oarsome 2025 measuring mat can also be used.
The J. A. Russell Ltd. Reel Oarsome Fishing Comp 'Ofishal' Measure Mat (1.65m)
You'll receive one of these mats in your fishing pack prior to the competition.
A maximum of ONE entry per species for each registered angler will be counted towards the final submission. We advise you to take photos of all catches throughout the day and only submit your largest catch photo.
You may submit your catch photo at any point throughout the day. As soon as the competition ends, there will be an official 30-minute window remaining to submit your final catch photo if you have not already done so. After the 30-minute grace period, submissions will be closed, and winners will be drawn.
To find out which species are eligible for this year's competition categories, visit the Prizes tab.
Every fish entered is eligible for spot prizes on the day!
