Time is running thin in the search for a man who failed to return from a fishing trip in the Bay of Plenty on Sunday afternoon

Police say efforts by Opotiki and Whakatane Coastguards have finished for the day, and the weather is not looking favourable for tomorrow.

The Air Force is also nearing the end of their search - without success.

Any further action will be dependent on an assessment of the search so far which is now underway -- and the weather over the coming days.

Locals are urged to look out for a large white chilly bin, red tote tank, wooden oars or a life jacket on the shoreline from Torere to Maketu.