MAKO SHARKS PLENTIFUL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 43, 25 January 1944, Page 5

MAKO SHARKS PLENTIFUL

FISHING INTERFERED WITH

SEVERAL LANDED

Mako sharks are reported to be particularly numerous oil the Wliakatanc. and Opotiki coast this year, thi\ spell of hot*, weather probably accounting for the big increase.

The mako sharks are: very vicious and Mr W. Walker, of Opotiki, informed a press, representative that they have interfered a good deal with line fishing and at times it, was not worth while -attempting to lish as the mako .sharks follow the. liook-t ed fish up and take them from the lines before the lish can be pulled on board. The loss of lines and other gear is heavy. Mr W\ilkcr lias: landed about eight mako sharks, weighing up to early 200 pounds. One of the sharks, caused considerable excitement when it was brought to the surface to be knifed. The mako suddenly gave, a leap and jumped right into Mr Walker's' boat, threshing it.s head about angrily. The mako proved lo be a nasty "visitor" to have, in the boat before it was; despatched.

The makos are met with in great numbers beyond about eight miles from the coast and Mr Walker considers the area would be a great hunting ground for the big game fishermen. Some monster, makos have been noticed and the. sharks scrape along the bottom of the fishing boat. Once the sharks arrive on the scene fishing is practically out of the question, and as many as three fish have, been taken off the one line at the same time.