Anglers to this year's Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic will be in to win up to $170,000 - their biggest prize pool ever.

Competition co-organiser Don McFarlane said the premium prize, a $110,000 2023 Stabicraft 1850 Supercab, would also be the biggest boat the major Fiordland event had ever offered.

He said the model would be a first for New Zealanders as all previous boats of this type had gone to offshore buyers.

Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic co-organiser Don McFarlane at the helm of this year's premium prize. Photo: Southland App

The 5.69 metre boating prize includes a Yamaha 115hp 4 stroke outboard motor, fish finder, VHF radio and Futura tandem trailer.

Anglers would also for the first time be able to catch and release their trout, while still being eligible for a prize, through the use of the new "Track My Fish" app, McFarlane said.

The popular children's event "Kids Go Fishing" would also be making a return with up to 200 children angling for around 300 recently released salmon at McGregors Pond, he said.

Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic organisers Stephen Stock and Don McFarlane. Photo: Southland App

Fellow co-organiser Stephen Stock said the annual Labour weekend fishing competition was the biggest in New Zealand and attracted anglers from throughout the country.

And with more than 450 early-bird entries already received, Stock expected this year was well on target to exceed last years record 1232 entries.

The Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic has given away over $600,000 in prizes, including 13 boats and 2 overseas trips, in it's 15 year history, organisers said.

This event runs from Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd October, with registration at the Te Anau Rugby grounds.

CLICK HERE to find out more or to enter.