GIANT MAKO

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1931, Page 2

GIANT MAKO

RECORD FOR SEASON. FIGHT FOR HOUR AND A HALF. WELLINGTON, Jan. 8.

A stir was caused in 'deep-sea fishing circles at the Bay of Island prior to the close of the old year by the receipt of news recording the capture of a record make shark tor the season) in close proxiniaty to the anglers’ headquarters on Urupukapuka Island. In a letter received by Mr G. W. Clinknrd, general manager of the Tourist and Industries Department, the following is some indication as to the fighting qualities of the mako and of this record monster in particular: — The capture was made by Mr G. Ellis of Bussell, who was cruising in a launch quite close to the island and ■who first sighted the sinister dorsal fin of the shark about three hundred yards away. Approaching cautiously to within 40* yards of the big fish, the angler baited his hook with a knhawai and towed it astern of the launch as he cruised along. In a few seconds the fin disappeared and immediately afterwards the bait was seized and the shark made off at lightning speed. “Allowing the fish to make a good run before striking, the angler soon had him well hooked, and a tremendous combat follwoed. The mako is famous for its fighting qualities, and this particular shark broached clear of the water on no fewer than eight occasions, leaping high in the_ air each time in the spectacular nose dive. For an hour and thirty-five minutes the fight continued until Mr Ellis was finally able to bring the big fish close enough to the launch for it to be gaffed. , “Tt turned the scales at 521 pounds, which makes it the largest sporting fish captured this season.”