Rules & Registration
01
Angler Eligibility
The competition is open to New Zealand anglers only. To be eligible to compete, all competitors must read and agree to the Competition Rules, complete the official registration form, and pay the $40 entry fee.
Limited Entries: Participation is limited to the first 100 registered anglers.
02
Competition rules
The event takes place across New Zealand from November 1st, 2026, until February 28th, 2027, for all entries.
• Entry fee is $40
• Limited Entries: Participation is limited to the first 100 registered anglers.
• All entries must be caught and submitted within the specified timeframe.
• Species: Yellowtail Kingfish only
• Legal size and bag limits must be followed. Minimum fish length must be 750mm (NZ legal size)
• Fishing Style: Land-based fishing only (rocks, beaches, wharves) No drones, Kontiki’s, longlines, kites, bait cannons or assisted methods.
• Rod & Reel only (gaffs and nets allowed to land fish)
• Any bait or rig allowed this includes but is not limited to – Sliders, poppers, stick baits, soft baits, Jigs
• Participants are permitted to catch fish anywhere in New Zealand (You are not confined to your region.)
• If two or more fish are tied on weight, the fish entered first into the competition system will be awarded the higher placing. Entry timestamps will be used to determine submission order.
• Only your heaviest fish will count toward final leaderboard placement.
03
Weighing your fish
For the 2026 season, only the approved digital weighing scales listed below may be used for fish submissions. This is to ensure fairness, consistency, and accurate verification of all entries. Fish weighed on non-approved scales will not qualify for the competition.
Accepted Scales:
Black Magic Digital Scales with tilting display 25kgs
Berkley Fishing gear 50 lb digital fish scale
Samaki Big Grip Digital Weighing Scale
Rusler Large Digital Scale
Rapala 50 lb/25kg Sportsman’s Digital Scale
200KG Crane Scales
300KG Crane Scales
• Digital scales must be used for weighing of all entries
• All equipment used to assist in weighing the fish, such as hanging hooks, ropes, weigh trays, or slings, must be zeroed or tared before the official weight is recorded.
• Fish must be weighed as soon as possible. If rigor mortis is present the entry may be denied.
• Fish must be weighed to two decimal points e.g. 12.76kgs
• If you catch a fish that out weighs your scales contact your nearest fishing store or club and request a courtesy weigh.
• All entries must be weighed following strict video instructions below.
04
video & submissions
Display of the weight on the scales must be clear and visible
• Fish must be weighed unassisted i.e. free hanging and untouched by anything that might alter the weight.
• Must show anglers Competition ticket in video with fish but not necessary to have in the same frame just submit unedited video. Please ensure ticket is readable
Submitting Your Catch
Post to the King of The Season Facebook group with:
• Video evidence of entry
• When uploading your catch video to Facebook, please include the region where the fish was caught
• Entries must be submitted within 48 hours of catch
05
Spirit of the Competition
This competition is about fun, respect, and bragging rights. Respect the fishery, your fellow anglers, and the environment. Any disputes are settled by the organising crew — their decision is final.
06
Prizes
1st Place - $1,250.00, name engraved on the KingSlayer Shield, and possession of the shield until the following season's winner is confirmed.
2nd Place - $500.00
3rd Place - $250.00
This year, in addition to placement prizes and monthly prizes, the competition will feature a range of special category awards. These include First Blood (first kingfish landed), The Grinder (most kingfish landed), Queen of the Seas (women’s heaviest kingfish), and The Explorer (the angler to land and submit a kingfish from the greatest number of regions). All participants are automatically eligible to these prizes upon registration.
These awards provide even more opportunities to compete, be recognised, and claim prizes throughout the season.
07
The Shield
The KingSlayer Shield is awarded to the angler who lands the heaviest kingfish of the season. The winner holds the Shield until the next season, and their name is engraved for life so everyone remembers who dominated.
JOIN THE SEASON
Ready to prove your skills and claim your spot on the leaderboard? Complete your registration below to secure one of the 100 limited spots for the 2026 season and start your journey toward the KingSlayer Shield. *REGISTRATIONS OPEN SOON*
FAQs
What is the registration process for the competition?
Registration is completed through the official Registration Page. Competitors must complete the registration form and pay the applicable entry fee to be eligible to participate in the competition.
How are fish weights verified?
Only catches weighed on competition-approved scales are eligible for entry. Competitors must comply with all video submission and verification requirements outlined in these rules. Competition organisers will verify submissions only after all required evidence and conditions have been met. Approved catches will then be added to the official leaderboard.
Are there specific gear requirements?
Any rod and reel may be used. The only requirement is that all catches must be weighed on competition-approved scales (as outlined in the competition rules).
Please note: drones, kontikis, longlines, kites, bait cannons, and any assisted fishing methods are not permitted.
What are the prize categories?
This year, in addition to placement prizes and monthly prizes, the competition will feature a range of new special categories. These include First Blood, The Grinder, Queen of the Sea, and The Traveller, giving anglers more ways to compete and be recognised for different achievements throughout the season. For full prize details and breakdowns, please view the Prizes Page.
How can I become a sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are open to all interested parties. If you would like to be involved, please contact us to discuss available partnership opportunities and how you can support the competition.
Have more questions? Reach out to our team for direct assistance.