A father and son's bonding over a day's fishing turned horrific after the body of a man washed up in front of them

The body has been identified by police as being a 25-year-old Asian man from Waikato.

But Waikato police Senior Sergeant Mike Henwood confirmed they were now looking for a second person.

After speaking with the dead man's wife, she confirmed her husband went fishing with a friend at Homunga Bay.

"He's gone fishing with a friend so a search and rescue operation is now in progress."

A father and son enjoying a day's fishing in the area made the discovery and alerted police about 2.30pm, he said.

A helicopter was sent out to do a shoreline search yesterday, he said.

Items belonging to the men have since been found, including a backpack and clothing.

Depending on the weather, due to the arrival of Cyclone Hola, surf lifesaving crews will also do sweeps along the shoreline.