FLYING FISH

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1927, Page 1

FLYING FISH

lIOW TO CATCH THEM

ZANE GREY’S .METHODS DESCRIBED.

WELLINGTON, May 21. “Without question you have the finest .salt water and fresh water fishing in the world, and that is the reason wily wo are coining back to New Zea-

land,” declared Captain Mitchell, of Mr Zane Grey’s party, to an audience of Wellington Kotariaiis to-day, prior to the visitors’ departure front the Dominion. They are on a world’s lushing trip, so varied that it aston-

ished the listeners. The party is endeavouring to make a film entitled, •‘Fishing in the Seven Seas,”’ and they have 68,000 feet in band.

Starting with Nova Scotia with big tuna they proceeded to Panama, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico and Catalin island. After New Zealand they plan visiting the west coast of South America. “We don’t know what we arc going to find hut wo will look,” said Captain Mitchell. “We are due in the West Indies now. but we came here instead. Our next trip in 1928 wil be to New Zealand from November till February, thence to Australia, New Guinea, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Malaya and on to Madagascar, where they have authentic records of sail fish running to twenty feet long.” Then they intend going after the Nile perch in Lake Tanganyika, and will prospect in the Persian Gulf, following up some vague letters from British officers who have fished there excitingly.

Captain Mitchell added that the Black Sea, will receive attention, for ho has seen enormous quantities of tuna averaging 80 to 901bs, ami in a market at Datum was exhibited a large bmadbill swordfish. Norway will be visited for salmon and broadbill, while salmon and tuna will eventually draw these enthusiastic fishermen back across the Atlantic to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. FISHING METHODS UNDER FIRE. With a recollection of the lively

controversy over bis party’s fishing methods Captain Mitchell remarked that [he was not going to say theirs wore better than anyone else’s. but they had success and considered they used sportsmanlike tackle. 'They had been accused of using unbreakable lines, but one of their critics who overhauled their tackle in Auckland had to admit be could break it without tremendous muscular effort. His conclusion was that the line used was not so strong as that of New Zealand fishermen. “That is so. Our lines are no strong-

er. but they are longer,” continued Captain Mitchell, who said that they carried 000 yards on the reel, because they never knew what they would get. A swordfish fought on top, but tuna fought deep. Mr Grey and himself used half and half British and Ameri-

can tackle. He bad persuaded Mr Grey to use British tackle and lie was delighted \v|ith it. HOW TO CATCH SWORDFISH. “When you go alter swordfish you must have a fairly fast launch with an engineer quick as a Hash. AW use kaliawai bait for swordfish, and we have been catching mullet for the same purpose with great success. Most fish are caught trolling, a small mullet or kingfish one foot long being the best bait. We put out two cylindrical pieces of wood, brightly coloured, called •teasers.’ which twist around and attract the fish from below, and they go for it as mail as a batter. One is trolled l!) feet out and another 50 loot out, with the real bait between. When the fish arrived we take in the teasers and the big frill then snaps at the bait, which is swimming along on top. The fish takes it sideways, and we give him time to get it. say ten seconds, during which he has run of! with leO feet, of line. Then be strikes and being booked on one side or other of the jaw, you will get a lighting fish, lighting' on top all the time .and you will get all the thrill you want.” Turning to the lormer New Zealand method ot fishing. Captain Mitchell said that a triangular book

was used, drifting with a live kahnwai When there was a bite the engine was started and the fisherman paid out line to let tjhe fish gorge the bait. The triangular hook got down ini > the stomach. It sickened ihe fish and be went to ihe bottom. T lien be bad to bo pulled up. “| took photographs ot cun* gentleman sitting in a comfortable armchair smoking a cigarette, with a heatti i ini mile on bis la; .*, while ibe boatman was bitnd-baublig the fish. Out pla.it is to fight the fish to a finish, bring him alongside and gall. ** A mako shark 1001 b or over is as good a lighting fish as 1 bare ever tackled. One of them almost denned me out last year, but 1 am <: mung back in 1923 to fund a Lliotisandpoimd mako. Aon have them hole. I honked one, but be got away after cleaning me out.”