WITH THE "FIGHTING FINS"

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3622, 5 April 1927, Page 4

WITH THE "FIGHTING FINS"

(Concluded from Page 2.) the use to which it is put, besides being much cheaper than the imported article. These rods are very strong and pliable and when in action, with one of the big fish hooted bend until they almost touch the water. The line used is a 36 thread, about the thickness of ordinary shop string and it is marvellous that a huge fish can be landed on such a fine line. The line is on a reel which is constructed of either wood or metal, the latter, of course being preferable. The reel is fitted with two brakes to regulate the speed at which the line runs out, one being a mechanical arrangement for lightening up the spool, which can be set, the other being a leather pad covering portion of the wound line, which can be pressed down by the thumb or fingers as the line whirls out. The line itself is generally about 500 yards in length. The hook, strange to say, is not very large, being only about four inches in length, and is attached to the line by a steel wire trace thirty feet in length, this, of course, being necessary, to prevent the fish from biting off the hook. THE BAIT. The principal bait used to catch the big fish is Jcawhai which .abounds in these waters. No difficulty is encountered in securing bait. As the launch sets out for the fishing grounds, lines are trailed behind the vessel and the kawhai secured by this means. The bait is usually alive, but as the seasons draws to a close this is not absolutely necessary and dead bait can be used quite successfully. When live bait is to be used the kawhai are kept alive after beiny caught by being placed in a box attached to the stern of the launch, which is kept flooded with water by the propellors.. When the fishing ground is reached the bait is attached to the line by inserting the hook in the lip or back of the fish and it is then released and allowed to swim about. The kawhai being the natural food of the swordfish and mako, is snapped up by the big game and swallowed whole. Another method of catching the monster is to tow behind the boat, about 10 to 15 yards from the stern, what is commonly called a “teaser.” A teaser is a small piece of wood about a foot long and an inch in diameter, painted a bright colour and provided with two slots which cause it to rotate and dive about in the water like a live fish. As soon as a fin is sighted near the teaser it is immediately hauled aboard and a proper bait cast overboard. This is promptly snapped up by the monster and then the fun begins.

Landing a swordfish or other deep sea denizen is no mean feat and requires a considerable amount of-skill on the part of the angler. It is very advisable, when on a lishing expedition, to secure the services of some experienced fisherman who owns a launch and then the chances of losing a fish are reduced to a minimum. As previously stated two chairs are provided on the launch for the anglers, who, as a rule, are strapped into their seats. The lines are rigged and the bait liberated. When a bait is snapped by a swordfish it makes a rush in most cases due north and, the reel whurrs merrily. After the monster has gone about two or three hundred yards it rises and literally dances on its tail on the surface. In some instances the fish has been known to charge the boat but whether it does this or not it provides ample thrills for the angler with its ducking and dashing around, and it is at this time that a competent helmsman is required to manage the boat. The fish is then played carefully, and eventually, generally after some hours have elapsed, worked alongside the vessel where it is harpooned and hauled aboard. The vital part of the whole business is to know just when to “strike,” or hook the. fish after it has taken the bait. Swordfish and shark have a habit of either gulping the bait straight down or else dashing off with it in their mouths. Ample time has to be allowed for the fish to swallow the bait. A monster correctly hooked should have the bait and hook in its stomach but numerous fish have been caught “foul-hooked” or with the hook in the side of the jaw and in some instances in the body itself. The roof of the mouth of a swordfish is particularly hard and will not take a hook.

The largest swordfish caught registered on the scales a day after it was landed, 976 lbs. This monster was landed by Captain Mitchell, of England, a member of the Zane Grey expedition, and constitutes a world record. The party did not have scales large enough to weigh the huge fish, and had to bring it in to Russell where it tipped the scales at}the , abovementioned weight. When hung up by the tail for weighing three kawhai fell from the monster’s mouth and it is considered that if it had been weighed when first caught it would have tipped the scales at 1000 lbs. The season’s largest catch was recorded by an overseas gentleman, and was not landed until after several hours struggle and after having expended 470 yards of line. Most of the fishing is done from the Zane Grey Sporting Club’s camp which is beautifully situated amid rugged grandeur and charming native bush in Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. This locality was specially selected by Mr. Zane Grey on his first visit t£ New Zealand and is sheltered from every wind that blows. It is a most charming locality and an ideal holi-

day spot, not only for fishermen but for anyone desirous of a quiet rest. The Club has had erected a fine up-to-date clubhouse and a number of bungalows. The clubhouse is a most comfortable establishment with hot and cold water and all conveniences, while hot meals can always be obtained. A fine verandah 75 feet by 16 feet, looks out on the harbour where a jetty runs out some distance, and where the club’s two launches, the Otehei and Monaaki may be seen at anchorage when not out on the fishing grounds. The harbour itself is an acquarium and all sorts of fishes may be seen swimming arpund beneath the jetty. The island abounds with delightful walks and the scenery is one of magnificent grandeur.

At the clubhouse one meets visitors from all parts of the world. During his visit to Cape Brett recently His Royal Highness the Duke of York expressed a desire to return to the fishing grounds again at some future date. It is also believed that the Prince of Wales will visit this locality next season. A glance at the club’s books show reservations for accommodation for as far ahead as 1929 when an English party who fished from Otehei Bay this season intend to return and again try their skill with the fighting fins.