FISH STORIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1926, Page 4

FISH STORIES.

SPORT AT RUSSELL. AUCKLAND, Jan. 8. Advice was received yesterday from Russell that Air George Hodgson, of Auckland, had successfully hooked a swordfish off Cape Brett on Wednesday. Many launches have been out on the grounds without bringing in any of the

famous fighting fish, so that when Air Hodgson’s catch was announced in Russell, there was renewed interest among assembled anglers. The fish turned the scale at 2721 b. News was also received from AVhitianga that the first swordfish caught on the Mercury Bay grounds this season had been secured by Mr J. Hovell on Wednesday. The fish weighed 2501 b. The report stated that about a dozen swordfish were seen, and that the one captured belonged to a school of seven. By a strange coincidence the first swordfish to ho caught off Mayor Island was also secured on Wednesday by Mr I. Knight, of Dannevirke, who caught a shovel-nosed shark 13ft in length a few days before in the same locality. The swordfish showed all the

fight for which this big game species is noted. At times it leaped right out of the wafer. Then it propelled ilscll on its tail, and shook its head vigor-

ously, in its efforts to get free from the hook. It also showed great, speed, calling for skilful navigation for some miles on the part of those in charge of the launch. After a strenuous contest for over two hours the- swordfish was worked within harpooning distance, and was killed. It measured 911. -in. A great light for three-quarters of an hour was put up by a blue shark, which was eventually killed. It was Oft in length. Two Mnko were hooked, but they got away. A!any fine hapuku were taken, the heaviest turning the scale at 13011). Kingfish, schnapper, terakihi, and other fish were caught in large numbers, and could have been landed in thousands had the anglers desired. Another large shark was captured in waters between Alatnkaiiu Island and the mainland. A native had cast a net and secured a good haul of fish, including three sharks. Two of the sharks fought furiously, and smashed the netand escaped, but the native harpooned and killed a third, which measured lilt Tin.