About The Competition
The 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is arguably the biggest Snapper Surf Casting Competition in the world, a one species fishing competition which runs for 5 days in March on the famous Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach), Northland New Zealand. The cash prize pool exceeds $88,000.00, of course the biggest cash offering goes to the largest snapper of the week a whopping $30,000.00. However don’t think it’s all about size as $10,000.00 is up for grabs for the angler that catches a snapper closest to the average weight of all the fish caught in the competition. The event will still cater for the unlucky angler that doesn’t catch a fish as the lucky draw spot prizes exceed $150,000.00 which includes a $53,000.00 4x4 Ute (RRP). 2020 and 2021 were sell-out’s which attracted 1000 anglers, it is estimated that at each prize giving there is a total crowd attendance of between 1500 and 3000 people enjoying the entertainment.
Jam-Packed Headquarters Arena – 2025
Darin Maxwell, Te Puke, Heaviest Snapper Record Holder Heaviest snapper record in competition history winner Darin Maxwell from Te Puke with 12.030kg landed Wednesday February 29th, 2012
Merchandise available for purchase on site
A brief history leading up to the creation of the Snapper Bonanza.
In 1982 the Brijevich family started the competition then called the Snapper Classic they were the owners of The Park -a camping ground just down the road from the current prize giving site. The competition evolved over the next 27 years into a community project that benefited the many local businesses supplying services, supplies, equipment etc. to the many contestants and their entourages. The local economy received a much needed boost and everyone was happy. In 2006 the competition was sold, the new owners ran it in much the same way as the previous owner, but ran into financial difficulties after the 2009 event. So in 2010 the competition was cancelled. However the 90 Mile Beach Surf Casting Club ran an event for those hardy souls who came North anyway. In 2011 the 90 Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza was born, with local businessmen John Stewart and Dave Collard combining their talents to facilitate this Far North iconic event. The bonanza brand has developed into a very strong marketable label and we hope it’s here to stay however without the support of our sponsors the event is not viable, as organisers we urge our anglers and supporters to climb on board and trade with our sponsors as much as possible. Tight Lines John & Dave
Some Of The Prizes Up For Grabs
$30,000.00
Heaviest Snapper Overall & Champions Trophy
$10,000.00
Average Weight Snapper Overall
Massive Spot Prizes
Including a Mitsubishi Triton, MeloYelo Electric Bike, Early Bird Kontiki and a Super Liquor Seahorse Kontiki
Don't miss out on arguably the largest surf casting event in the world
Registration has never been easier. Register online now!
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Hall of Fame
Rory Collings, Kaitaia
2025 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2025 – 6.635kg.
Zane Kaaka, Te Kao
2024 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2024 – 8.225kg.
Damien Sinclair,
Martinborough
2023 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2023 – 7.485kg.
Dickson Hohaia,
South Taranaki
2021 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2021 – 9.060kg.
Grant Thompson, Auckland
2020 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2020 – 8.285kg.
Dave Rameka, Kaitaia
2019 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2019 – 7.905kg.
Grant Dodunski, Te Puke
2018 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2018 – 8.945kg.
Chris Spurr, Gisborne
2017 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2017 – 6.175kg.
James Benge, Hastings
2016 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2016 – 8.165kg.
Troy Notton, Kamo
2015 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2015 – 8.315kg.
Neil Sides, Kaitaia
2014 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2014 – 9.995kg.
Jeremy Alai, Auckland
2013 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2014 – 9.91kg.
Darin Maxwell, Te Puke
2012 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2012 and new record holder – 12.030kg
Luke Boyes, Christchurch
2011 Winner
Overall Heaviest Snapper Winner 2011 – 8.89kg
Our Sponsors
Without them this event would not happen
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
Timara Leaf Te Maharanoa Richard Carter that's us, lessgo
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Sweet Baby Jesus…bring on 2027.
Uncle James Pomare keen to do this with us 😎 i want to tick it off my bucket list 🫣Haare Manga Te Wehi said he’s keen haha!
Teina Snowden that we baby but you just come and watch this time lol 😆
Toronge Pene Carlos Thoumine that us? 👀
Ken Cook lets tick this off our bucket list bro
Sweet Baby Jesus #tightlines
We there! James Paniora
Yes , I will definitely be there. Absolutely love supporting Snapper Bonanza!
Happy birthday to Jason Watts round 3 😂😂 Sam Clark
Sharman Mutu Ron Mutu Dan Mutu 🎣
Kiwis Lyfe 👀
Jade Mel Tahere 🙌🏽
Wayne Birch
Henry McClutchie Tux Brown
Paul RobinsonMathew Robinson lets lock it in
Nikora Ratana
Joe Rudolph
Masson Collingwood Samson Collingwood Eddie Latham
Tony Savage
Ali Pou Ruka
JoshnBillie Hohaia
Dan Smith
Joe Turner
Jasmin Prout 🥰
Starlia O'callaghan we on again baby
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from John & Dave, the girls in the rego tent (the real heros) Rach, Alex, Katherine & Laura, weigh station, Brian, Lou, Toni, Mataina, Trish. The 💪🏼 boys Ed, Jody, Bev, Toss, Radar, Ronny, Paul. Merch container Glenda. DJ Derek. Denny and his crew, the awaz rugby crew. Eileen, @brydiebowls & Pam keeping you fed with the caravans. @sports.riders.kaitaia team keeping you in tack all week. @icey_camel keeping you stocked with bait & ice. And the wahine who look after you the most 🍺 Treen, Dayna & Kailee.
The biggest thanks goes to @gallagherinsurancenz_ and our sponsors. What this event does for our community is HUGE!
And there are many more! Thank you 🙏🏼
Congrats to allllllll the winners!
Details of next year’s date, ticket sales, left over merch to come. Sunday was pack up day and have a beer at the pub.
See you all in 2027 🙌🏼
Cheers Lou 🫶🏻 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you all for such an epic event! Appreciate everyone that helps make this happen and putting in the work for us to compete. Congratulations to all winners 🏆 Will definitely see you next year! Wooooh!
Thank you team for another fantastic event!
Well done team 🙌
Awesome Comp Thank,s
Fantastic time once again thanks team. Big ups to all involved, see you again next year 🍻
Solid effort team! Made the effort from the Bay of Plenty all the worth while. Until next time, Hei kona rā 🤗
Well done team!! Always appreciate all your hardwork and dedication!!! See you next year!!
What a fantastic week, To your entire team hats off!
Well done team what a fantastic week see you next year
www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/589713/ninety-mile-beach-snapper-bonanza-winner-reveals-his-secrets
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Tena te mihi atu kia koe Sarah...congratulations from one fisho to another..💯%
Way to go congratez👍
Awesome! Congrats Lady
Congratulations 👏👏👏 woohoo
Congrats Sarah Well worth your long journey
Oh congratulations,,
Good on ya congrats
Congratulations Sarah!
Beautiful Sarah💖
Well done congratulations
Congratulations
Where was she from
Wahine toa... 🎊💪
Ka rawe wahine toa!!! 👏😊
Congratulations Sarah nice prize
Congratulations Sarah.slayed it .
🔥🔥🔥
Congratulations 🎊
Grwat ride Sarah. Winner yeah
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations 🎊 👏
Well done
Total Epicness!!! Respect!
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No comments, useless how big was the fish, caught when, where wad he from?????
Mean Kuzz 💯🤣🤣🤣!! The man Harley Ra ,from the Far far Norf to Shifnal Drive and back again..Tooo much 🙌
Mean bro! Good on you.
Chur bro
Big Congratulations to you Harley. Enjoy the moment !!🥃🥃🥃 Cheers! Les Martin. previous classic winner
Ka pai brother 👍
Chur Cool Bro Congratulations
Awesome comp Thank,s
Congratulations 🎊 would love to hear the story from you pre catch and after catch emotions.
The man mah kuzzie Harley Ra che churr
What a great pic! Congrats bro 💪 we love this for you!!
How good...congratz bro👌🍻🥳
Shot… Congrats 🍾 Fantastic comp, see ya next year
congrats 💯🙌
Harley Ra Ayyy.. Come back from Perth to show em you still harty-NAUGHTY NORFA!! 😁 Mean Cuuuzzz!!!! 🐟🎣
Banaza bro nga mihi
Fuark can't wait to hear this story. Mean my cuz!
Congrarz brother Harley Ra ❤️ mean one alright 🤙🤙🤙
Congratulations 🙌
Well done!!
Whuuu!!! Mean as neff!! Harley Ra Whoop Whoop🙌
Congratulations mate
Haere. Ra
Congratulations, that's awesome.
That smile says it all , good on you!
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