SPORT AT RUSSELL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1926, Page 4

SPORT AT RUSSELL

PLENTY OF SWORDFISH

AUCKLAND, Feb. 10.

Greatly impressed with the deep sea fishing at the Bay of Islands, Mr T. It. Hubback, a sportsman from the Malay Peninsula, has returned from Bussell with some interesting experiences to retail. Two vorv remarkable incidents marked his stay in the fishing area.

One day two fishermen in the same launch each hooked a swordfish simultaneously. with the result that the onlookers were treated to the unusual sight of two fish leaping out of the water together. Both fishermen being oeeupied there was no one to look after the launch, and the men were in a Predicament. Olio foil was pulling one way and the other another. A second launch attempted to go alongside, but before it could, one of the fish broke away while the second one of the fish made off at fast speed and gave a very .line display, jumping out. of the water time after time for a few minutes before it was landed.

On another occasion a fisherman booked a swordfish and it charged tit? launch to jump clean over flic stern of the boat, very nearly striking the man with the rod. Fortunately the launchmaii, who saw the fish coming close, started the engine and moved off or the fish would have lauded on the boat.

“last Saturday was a magnificent one from the point of view of the sportsmen.'’ said Mr Hubbard. “Fish commenced striking at 10 o’clock, a comparatively early hour, and at one time no fewer than five men were plaving ‘swordies.’ Although several were lost eleven swordfish were actually landed.’’

At the present time practically all the launches from Bussell and Deep Water Cove Jish fairly close to ( :i; t Brett, but some anglers have gone further out to a place called “1 he Rip,” some twelve or fifteen miles from the mainland. Swordfish had been landed there hut “The Rip” was the sort of place that could ho approached only when the weather was favourable

“There is little doubt.” said Mr Hubbard, “that as sportsmen gain more knowledge of the coast, and the localities where swordfish can lie found many more pi acres will he utilised as fishing bases. 'I here is no reason why one should not fish right down the coast, and with wider knowledge of the facilities more fishermen will he induced to enjoy the great fishing there.” Mr Hubbard will leave to-morrow for Cambridge and will then go on to Tanpo and Itotorua. Bairn- lie will travel to Wellington, and from there lie will Fare for the South Island, where he will enter tin* Wapiti country to investigate l the animals there at the request of the Biological Survey of the United States of America. During his tour. Mr Uubbaek is accompanied by Mr If. Ilardeastle. a woll-kcnmvn Rotorua sportsman.