FIGHT FOR CATCH

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1931, Page 2

FIGHT FOR CATCH

FISHERMEN’S HARD TUSSLE. MAKO SHARK’S DARING. AUCKLAND, February 26. An exciting experience befell two deep-sea fisherman, Captain W. Roe and Mr J. Booth, of England, at Whan, garoa. Captain Roe was playing a swordfish, which leaped 16 times ana fought strongly. Suddenly after an apparently wild run under water the fish became strangly quiet. The angler reeled the fish in and found a bleeding stump where the tail had been. Just as the launchmen gaffed the swordfish a large mako shark appeared and took hold of the- swordfish, and a tug-of-war followed between the Haunch men and the mako, the former proving victorious after a lusty use of the boathook. While the attempt was being made to secure the swordfish with ropes the mako again appeared, and taking hold once more was with great difficulty driven off again with the boathook, but he took with him a large piece of the swordfish. For the third time lie appeared and took a firm 'hold as the fish was being hauled, on board, but by the combined efforts of t’be crew he was beaten off again taking a portion of the swordfish. Two baited lines were then thrown out, and after a short- interval both baits were taken. It proved to be the mako with which they were already acquainted, After a splendid tussle, in which both Captain Roe and Mr Booth took part, ho was landed by the latter, The mako weighed 4501 b, and is the season’s record for Whangaroa, What was left of the swordfish weighed 2551 b.