EXCITING SPORT.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1926, Page 4

EXCITING SPORT.

SWORDFISH AT RUSSELL. AUCKLAND, February I

Russell is living up to its reputation as a deep sea fishing resort, according to oflieial advices received. A message Inis been sent by Mr Zane Grey to Mr !•; C. Arliilgo. secretary of the Bay of Islands Swordlisb and M.nkn Shark Cluß. Mr Grey states that be has caught three marlin, and that be fought for several hours a true .sword--I,ill. tin.- llat-sworded Broadßill. only to lose it in the end. Mr Grey further states that his light established the I'm tl at this, the grea.-est of game (isli. is in New Zealand waters.

Further particulars were supplied on Saturday evening when .Mr /Cane Grey's launch came in to Bussell from the camp. Hying a great blue (lag with a- largo broadbill swordfish as an emblem. Members of the crew ol the launch gave a gloving account ol Mr Grey as a fisherman. Alter he hooked the broadbill ami played it with snidi great energy mid then lust it one .of the men said he could have cried. The light lasted two and a-half hours. ■•The record broadbill ever caught on rod and line is 5711 b,” said one ol ’tire' crew. '■ We would have had that record licked if the hook had not slipped from, the fish’s mouth. You talk aboul the marlin we have been catching here. Why /ano. Grew hung on to this broadbill and it. lowed the Alma G. and she is no light launch, tit the rate of two miles an hour stern first. Ilis gear is just wonderful.” It was also stated that the party on hoard the launch saw four other broadbill on the same day. but they were a good distance off shore. A Bussell message sent to-day states that the first black marlin was caught by Mr F. A. Hurt', of New York, from the launch Rosemary. This fish gave a grand display. It was Mr Bun’s first catch.

A tine swordfish, weighing 2111 tlb, was secured by Mr Garland, of Auckland, from the launch Geisha. Mr Boss Martin, of Auckland, also secured a small make shark, weighing fiOlb from, the Geisha. Both fish gave great displays.

Twenty-live big -game fish have been caught this season at Bussell and recorded to date. They consist of thirteen swordfish or marlin, nine niako sharks, two 'hammer-headed sharks and one reremai shark (5881 b). The' latest catches which have not been officially reported yet. are as follows: January “St —Mr /a no Grey swordfish 22111 b, launch Alma G ; Dr AYilliams, of Gisborne, swordfish 2801 h. launch Ozone. January 20—Commander Edwards. of TI.M.S. Dunedin, and Mr Boss Martin, of Auckland, tnako shark 8001 b. launch Geisha. This ( fish took both baits the two rods playing it.

January .‘lo—Mr Marden f’aughey, of Auckland, swordfish 2501 b. launch Phyllis; Afr Zane Grey, two swordfish 2S-llb and 2501 b, Alma G; Captain Mitchell, of Zane Grey’s party, swordfish 1021 b launch Afnrlin.