Get the family together, load up the chilly bin, and hit the water for something bigger this summer.
The Burnsco Family Fish Off is a nationwide fishing competition in support of Melanoma New Zealand, bringing anglers of all ages together to enjoy time on the water while supporting an incredibly important cause.

Designed to be inclusive and easy to enter, the Burnsco Family Fish Off is all about encouraging Kiwis to get outside, enjoy fishing responsibly, and give back to the community. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a PB or helping the kids land their first fish, this competition is built for everyone.

Key Dates & Competition Info

Registrations Open:
4 December 2025 – 23 March 2026

Entries Open:
1 January – 31 March 2026

Where:
Nationwide - Fish anywhere in New Zealand

Measurement:
Photo on approved measure mat

Entry Cost:
$30 Adult
$20 Junior (Under 14 as of 1 January 2026)

With a long competition window, you can fish when it suits you – whether that’s quick after-work missions, weekend adventures, or full family holidays on the water.

Participants can enter across six iconic New Zealand species, covering both inshore and offshore favourites:

• Blue Cod

• Snapper

• Kingfish

• Kahawai

• Trevally

• Gurnard

You can focus on a single species or target them all. Every valid entry increases your chances of winning and contributes to the overall fundraising effort.

Prizes Worth Fishing For

With a $50,000+  total prize pool, there’s plenty of incentive to get involved.

Prizes are awarded for:

• 1st, 2nd & 3rd longest catch (per species)

• Average length catch (per species)

• 1st longest catch in the Junior Division (per species)

In addition, every entry goes into the draw to win a share of $10,000+ worth of spot prizes, meaning even smaller fish can still deliver big rewards. There are also prizes for best glory photo every month!

It’s not just about the biggest fish it’s about participation, consistency, and getting the whole family involved.

All money raised (excluding administration fees) will be donated to Melanoma New Zealand, helping fund vital work in melanoma prevention, early detection, education, and patient care across Aotearoa.

Melanoma New Zealand does not receive government funding, making community driven initiatives like the Burnsco Family Fish Off essential to continuing their work. By entering, you’re directly contributing to better health outcomes for New Zealanders.

Learn more about their work at Melanoma

Stay Sun Smart – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide

Fishing often means long hours under the sun, especially during the warmer months. Remember to protect yourself and your crew by following the 5 S message:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing

• Slop on sunscreen regularly

• Slap on a hat before heading out

• Seek shade
• Slide on some sunnies

Sun safety is an important part of enjoying time on the water responsibly.

Entering the Burnsco Family Fish Off is quick and simple:

ENTER THE COMPETITION:
https://tangler.co.nz/tournament/burnsco

VIEW THE RULES:
https://tangler.co.nz/public_html/uploads/tournaments/f291de2a6418f71ecf45fa2e237c1981.pdf

A live leaderboard will be added once the competition is underway, so anglers can track results and follow the action as it unfolds.

About Melanoma New Zealand

Melanoma New Zealand is a charity dedicated to reducing the impact of melanoma through education, awareness, early detection, and patient support services.

To learn more or to support their work directly, visit Donate.

Whether you’re fishing for fun, competition, or a cause, the Burnsco Family Fish Off is a great reason to get out on the water this summer. Grab your gear, bring the family, and be part of something that makes a real difference.