The possibility needs to be faced this competition may have grown too big, or at least in the prize giving department. The article reports quite clearly sponsors now require to see something tangible for their dollars, this is totally understandable.

The idea of a major sports chain becoming the sponsor is good but it must be considered that in some areas such money would be purely a gift, they would have no angler customers going to fish the comp.

I wonder if it's time to recognise that for most the far north is simply too far away, the whole concept of the Bonanza has become very expensive to even consider. The entry fee is realistic when compared to the prizes on offer, but add on the cost of gas, food, accommodation plus the cost of putting one's tackle into good shape and we are looking at a huge expense. Anyone who follows the news will know generally people are tightening their purse strings and their belts, money just isn't available like it was a few years ago.

I am not against the concept of a large competition but I would prefer to see it broken into perhaps five competitions spread around the entire country, including one in South Island. This would open up the tournament to a lot more competitors. Those who would be happy to fish for a day, possibly two, but not be held within the restraint of needing to fish for several days; plus a day travelling to get to the venue and another day to get home again.

Just supposing the NZACA were to be involved hands on, and work with five large clubs around the country to organise a truly national surfcasting competition. The prizes could be good without being excessive and the top anglers from each of the first four heats, as part of their prize package, would be invited to fish a grand final at the fifth heat. The top anglers in the fifth heat would already be in attendance.

Such a tournament would have many advantages: excellent advertising for the NZACA, great advertising for the home organising club. Each heat would attract their own sponsors without the huge money that is required at present. Surfcasting can gain excellent publicity in the regions and finally, New Zealand would end up with a recognised surfcasting champion, a boon for those in the trade who would hope to gain endorsements from the champion angler.

What I am suggesting is nothing new and I take no credit, it's simply the format that most sporting codes work with to gain advertising and a truly recognisable national champion.

The expression goes, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Well it's pretty obvious the Snapper Bonanza is broke but it doesn't necessarily have to be damaged beyond repair ... is it time for a little lateral thinking?