DEEP-SEA ANGLING

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1931, Page 6

DEEP-SEA ANGLING

SPORTS AT BAY OF ISLANDS. Judging by reports received from Russell by Mr G. \V. Cliukard, general manager of the Department of Tourist, Industries and Publicity, Excellent sport is being obtained along the northern coast at the present time. A number of sword fish and mako sharks have been captured by visiting anglers, among the most successful of whom is Mr C. Stewart, of Singapore, who on February 13 landed a striped-marlin weighing 241 lbs., while on the following day lie captured a mako of 369 lbs. Both of these game fish put up a spectacular fight, the mako like all of its kind, proving particularly pugnacious, making leaps which the launchmen described as the highest he had yet seen. On being brought alongside at the finish of the combat the mako savagely attacked the launch, leaving several of its razor-edged teeth embedded in the rudder and the hull.

Another successful sportsman is Mr James Stellin, of Wellington, who on February 14 captured a fine marlin swordfish of 304 lbs. His previous captures curiously enough each occurred during his luncheon spell, so to avoid this he lunched at 11 a.m. instead of the usual hour. He had scarcely settled down before a big fish suddenly took the bait and lunch had to ho again hurriedly postponed. The sword, fish for some reason dived deeply and failed to make the usual fine display of its species. After thirty minutes’ strenuous pumping it was brought alongside and dispatched. Later on in the day Mr Stellin hooked a •'blue’ shark, which though not considered strictly a- sporting fish, made a great fight lasting an hour and twenty minutes. This shark turned the scales at 286 lbs.