The inaugural Bayleys Raglan Fishing Classic set sail last Friday in spectacular conditions, marking an exciting expansion of the long-running Bayleys Fishing Classic held out of Auckland.
With eight boats competing, local anglers took to the water in pursuit of the region’s biggest snapper, delivering an exciting day of fierce competition, camaraderie, and conservation awareness.
Tyler Jeffries Claims Victory with a 70cm Snapper!
The competition saw some exceptional fishing, with Tyler Jeffries (Punters on Ice) reeling in the biggest snapper of the tournament—measuring a massive 70cm! Not only did this impressive catch secure Jeffries the Champion Angler title and a $2,000 cash prize, but it also came agonisingly close to matching the Auckland competition’s winning fish, which measured just half a centimetre longer at 70.5cm.
While Auckland edged out Raglan for the longest individual fish, the Waikato teams dominated in the aggregate category, proving that the west coast has what it takes to compete with the best. Punters on Ice secured the top team title with an outstanding aggregate length of 190.5cm for their top three snapper, comfortably surpassing Auckland’s winning score of 184.5cm.
A Celebration of Fishing & Conservation
The Bayleys Fishing Classic is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for raising awareness about sustainable fishing practices and the health of New Zealand’s marine environment. Bayleys is proud to support LegaSea, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to restoring the abundance, biodiversity, and health of New Zealand’s oceans.
All proceeds from the Bayleys Fishing Classic go directly to LegaSea, ensuring that every fish caught in the competition contributes to a better future for our fisheries.
The event would not have been possible without the support of Fishing News, LegaSea, and the dedicated teams at Bayleys, all of whom helped bring this incredible competition to life.
Bigger & Better in 2026
With the first-ever Raglan event proving to be a huge success, anticipation is already building for next year’s competition. With stunning weather, top-tier fishing, and an electric atmosphere, the Bayleys Raglan Fishing Classic has firmly established itself as a must-attend event on the region’s fishing calendar.
A massive thank you to all who took part—we can’t wait to make it even bigger in 2026!
