HUGE FISH

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1049, 25 November 1947, Page 2

HUGE FISH

10 FOOT MAKO LANDED AFTER. BIG STRUGGLE Local deep-sea fishermen have always contended that in the vicinity of White Island game fish abound in plenty at certain season’s of the year. On Saturday two launches the Edna and Aio with parties aboard leit for the Island. The Edna with Hr. Peter Warren in charge was mostly concerned in fishing and the members of the party were soon getting all the sport to rejoice the heart of any fisherman.

Good hauls of lnipuka averaging 50 to 60 lbs. in weight were caught and further out Peter spotted various shoals of small fish and intimated to Sergeant J. Isbistcr, who was one of the party aboard, that there was a possibility of big game fish about. A little later he hooker! something out of the ordinary and after a struggle for over an hour by all members of the party, a mako just over 10 feet long was finally hoisted aboard. The fish was six feet in girth and the weight after two days was 086 pounds. It is supposed to be a record fish landed from local waters. AH members of the party commented that the trip was an ideal one. “Peter” was most emphatic that swordfish were also about. The Aio’s party landed on the Island for mutton birds and bagged a record number running into thousands. What with fish and birds the trip was a great success.