THE “FISHLESS NORTH”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 290, 28 February 1928, Page 14

THE “FISHLESS NORTH”

DISAPPOINTED LAUNCHMEN Mr. A. Forster and his party returned to town in Raira last week after a fortnight’s wanderings between the Waitemata and what was scornfully termed the -’flshless North.” Though the weather was delightful and the latest fishing gear and tactics were employed no big game fish could be located. The spectacle of 14 launches spread out over miles of sea for 12 hours at a stretch vainly seeking make and swordfish was calculated to make a pessimist of any boatman. One pair of American visitors spent £2OO and never fiuked a bite. Some English visitors were struck at Deep Water Cove, complaining bitterly of the roughness of the accommodation. Raira cruised around the Poor Knights without seeing a fin and then visited the Great Barrier, where a 1001 b swordfish was taken. An effort to go round Miner’s Head was given up, the boat rolling gunwale under Off Mokuhinau the se’mappe.r, travail!. and kingfish were found in strata; literally numbering millions, but the kingfish could not be tempted to take the bait. Shortly a cruise is to be made to Mercury Bay in quest of swordfish and mako. lane fishing for “kingies” off Rakino has been affording some launchmen great sport the last couple of weeks. Mr. Gilbert Sanford had some fine fishing last week-end. PONSONBY REGATTA The Fonsonby Cruising Club will hold its 14th annual regatta next Saturday. The programme includes events for all classes of yachts, and a launch race. The first event is timed to start at 2.30 p.m., and the others will follow at five-minute intervals. Entries close to-morrow at the usual places. See advertisement,