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The annual Leigh Fishing Contest has been replaced by a new event.
After 18 years of successful events, the Leigh Fishing contest has been wound up.
The community organised event has raised more than $300,000 for the Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust (ARHT) since it was first held in 2003.
Former ARHT fundraising manager John Hooper says it is the end of an era, but the competition has reached the end of its natural course.
He says organisers Keith and Lyn Brush looked to pass on the torch, but were unable to find anyone to take over the project.
Meanwhile, ARHT has organised a new event for 2021, the Humminbird Fishing Tournament, which will be held at the Omaha Beach Golf Club.
It will be a seven-day tournament held from April 3 to 10, with over $100,000 worth of prizes.
Every entry into the competition will be eligible to win a 4.8 metre Maro Boat with a Yamaha 60 horsepower outboard and Humminbird sounder.
In contrast to the Leigh Contest, which generated funds by raffling off fish, the new Humminbird Fishing Tournament will be a catch-and-release competition.
There will be a day of entertainment, live music, auctions, food and drinks on Saturday, April 10 at the golf club.
An ARHT crew will also be teaching search and rescue techniques, resuscitation and water safety skills.
Tickets are $70 from www.eventspronto.co.nz/ARHTfishing
