AMONG THE SWORDFISH.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1920, Page 10

AMONG THE SWORDFISH.

SPORT OFF MAYOR ISLAND. After three weeks' fishing off Mayoi Island Colonel H. Calthrop furnished particulars concerning the sport provided in those waters to the Tauranga correspondent of the Auckland Herald. He said that February 22 was a red-letter day for him as it provided tiie 'best day's fishing he had -ever had. At about 8.30 a.m. he hooked a sword&li, which made off at a groat pace, frequently jumping out of the water. Before they could get the launch under way to follow the fish, every inch of line had been run off the colonel's reel. At the last moment the swordfish changed its course, and this, aided by the launch persistently following the fish, enabled him to recover about 100 yards of line. The fish continued to fight for about an hour. It then grew tired, and was gradually drawn towards the launch. It repeatedly dived under the boat, and on several occasions fouled the line under the lceel. Eventually it came close to the boat and was harpooned. Although there were four powerful young men on the launch they experienced great difficulty in getting the heavy fish aboard. It is estimated that it weighed not less than 4001b. On the same day another swordfish was captured, its weight being 2641b. A third swordfish "was captured a few days afterwards and weighed not less than 300Ibs. Colonel Calthrop has fished at the Bay of Islands, the Hen and Chickens Islands, the Great Barrier, Kawau, and on the East Coast, and considers that for swordfish and inako shark-fishing the waters off Mayor Island offer thebest sport He has also fished off the coast of liurmah, and considers that the swordfish is by far the strongest and swiftest big fish in the world. The Americans boast of their tarpon fishing, but in his opinion it is in 110 way comparable with the sport which the swordfish gives. Colonel Calthrop always uses the rod and line, and does not fish with the hand line.