Whether you’re chasing snapper on the shallows, dreaming of blue water game fishing or perfecting your surfcasting technique, the Shimano Masterclass Series at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is the place to sharpen your skills straight from the pros who live and breathe it.
Photo: Stephen Barker / Barker Photography. ©XPO Exhibitions
Returning in 2026 as one of the show’s most popular features, the Shimano Masterclass Series brings together some of New Zealand’s most respected fishing names for a packed programme of free seminars running across all four days of the show, 14–17 May at the Auckland Showgrounds.
Headlining the series is Matt Watson, ITM Fishing Show legend, Kiwi icon and one of the most recognisable faces in New Zealand angling. Matt will deliver a series of in-depth masterclasses covering his legendary straylining techniques for snapper using Baitrunner reels, live baiting and trolling for marlin, and daytime swordfishing. He will also host a lively panel discussion with Shimano Pro Staff and Field Testers, throwing the floor open for audience questions and a few well-earned tall tales from the water.
Photo: Stephen Barker / Barker Photography. ©XPO Exhibitions
Joining Matt on the Shimano stage are Chad Prentice and Dan Govier, with sessions covering the full spectrum of Kiwi fishing. Chad, a multiple national surfcasting champion, will take attendees through everything from rods, reels and terminal tackle to reading beaches, tides and weather conditions in his ever-popular surfcasting seminar. Rounding out the programme, TK Walker and son Cam share their expertise as renowned offshore commercial fishermen, walking attendees through how to read sea surface temperatures, currents, tides and weather to get onto big pelagic species like tuna and kingfish.
Topics across the series span big game fishing, snapper tactics, surfcasting and offshore navigation with practical, actionable insights for anglers of every level, from first-timers to seasoned pros. All sessions are free to attend as part of show entry, and are held at the Shimano Fishing Pavilion.
The Masterclass Series sits within a show celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026 and the occasion calls for something special. The biggest door prize in the show’s history is on offer, a Surtees/Yamaha boat package worth over $380,000, with a Shimano rod and reel package worth $10,000 and a $4,000 Hutchwilco/O’Brien watersports bundle adding to the prize pool. Daily Viking Kayak giveaways, Kids’ and Women’s Fishing Workshops with Nicky Wilson, Safety & Education Workshops and the SnapCatch Classic fishing competition round out a show that has something for every boatie and fisho.
“The Shimano Masterclass Series is one of those rare opportunities to sit down with the people who actually catch fish for a living and walk away with techniques you can use on your very next trip,” says Helen Kay, General Manager at XPO Exhibitions. “Whether you come for the gear, the prizes or the community, the Masterclasses are a must-do during your time at the show.”
Tickets are available online at www.boatshow.co.nz – purchase before 11 May to save $5 off the gate price and receive a bonus entry into the grand prize draw. The Shimano Masterclass schedule will be published in full on the show website ahead of opening day.
