An iconic fishing tournament's returning to the Eastern Bay - but with a difference.

Angler numbers in Whakatane's Tuna Tournament have declined in recent years, as tuna have become less available.

It's being re-vamped for January's competition, with a new name in the pipeline, and a focus on fish other than tuna.

Mick Goodin from the Whakatane Sportfishing Club says a lot of thought's gone into ways to attract anglers back to the tournament.

He says there's been a lot of soul searching over what they're going to call it, and if they're even going to run it at all.

He says some good long time supporters of the club have come in behind them, as well as some new sponsors.

Mr Goodin's sure this is going to be a big one, even in the absence of tuna.