MAKO ATTACKS LAUNCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 928, 22 March 1930, Page 6

MAKO ATTACKS LAUNCH

RIPS PLANKS IN FURIOUS ATTACK ESCAPES DESPITE HARPOON Recalling the attack on a launch by a mako shark at Russell a few days ago comes a sirrvlar story from Mr. R. C. Macpherson, of Devonport. He has just returned from a holiday visit to the Great Barrier. Mr. O’Neil, of Ponsonby, in company with Mr. “Bob” Dickie, of Devonport, and friends on the launch Wenna, was fishing off the Barrier, when the incident took place. The mako was no sooner hooked than it turned and made a fierce attack on the launch. Before it could be harpooned the shark had severely dam aged the side of the boat, leaving many teeth marks. When finally harpooned, the shark was secured with a rope round its tail and towed into the bay, apparently dead. However, as one of the crew was adjusting some of the tackle, the monster gave one convulsive jump, broke the lashings and made off into deep water. The shark was described by one of the launchmen as “lighting mad and bent on sinking the boat.” Mr. Macpherson reported that several mako and swordfish had been sighted in the neighbourhood in the last few w* ks and expressed the opinion that big-game fishing might become an added attraction of the already popular Barrier. GOOD FISHING Fishing, he said, was good, and some excellent catches were recorded. On one day in particular, in a few hours’ fishing, 32 hapuka and lt>4 schnapper were landed. The hapuka ranged in size up to 801 b. in weight, the top weight being secured by Mr. G. Ashley. Shoals of kawhai were numerous and some of the bigger fish caught while trolling provided some thrills. Kingfish appeared to be scarce. With excellent weather conditions throughout, and under the guidance of Mr. Norm. Warren, with his big launch, it would be difficult to have obtained better conditions for the sport.