THE BIG GAME FISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 96, 24 April 1926, Page 9

THE BIG GAME FISH.

. ...I..I ■ II » ■ I I ■ A SUCCESSFUL SEASON. THE FIRST "SWORDIE." One of the best known angler* who fish annually in New Zealand waters is Mr. E! P. Andreas, of Sydney, who can claim to be one of the pioneers of the big game fish' sport. This season the Sydney' angler has again been at the Bay of Islands, where befpre his departure he met the members of the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shsrk Club to discuss various matters of interest in connection with the sport. •-{ Need of Control. • ! - Mr. Andreas told the members that New Zealand was a country unsurpassed for its climate, scenic' beauties, beautiful harboura, and the game fishing which would attract visitors from all parts of the world. There was need, however, to have proper control of the fishing. At Catalina the sport had been spoiled through Japanese catching the big fish j

with lines and nets, and last season only ' three swordfish were caught on that once | famous ground. Off Newfoundland the j broadbill was numerous, hut it was now j being taken for commercial purposes | and sale in the United States. He therefore urged that the club should get in touch with the Government, and enlist the support of all fishing clubs to protect the sport. He likewise suggested that there should be a fixed period for ' the fishing season, so that visitors could, make' their arrangements accordingly. j The First "Swerdie." j "Who caught the first swordfish at the Bay of Islands I" was a question asked.' Mr. Andreas said that the first sword- ! fish was caught off Cape Brett by a Mr.! Campbell in 1887. Previously to that i Mr. Andreas and Mr. Campbell had been I out after kingfish, and it was found that the swordfish would snap the piper bait, and with a rush and a swirl carry away the line. Better'gear was tried,, but without result. The matter was dis-• cussed by various anglers at Russell; ! and Mr. Andreas said that he suggested j a five-foot wire trace. Even this proved I unsuccessful. Finally it fell to Mr. ampbell to have the first success. He, had a 22ft wire trace, and after a fight lasting one and a-half hours the first | swordfish was landed with a rod. 'i Mr. Andreas said that it was interest-! ing to look back to that time and to' note the way the interest in the sport of | big game fishing had grown, and the I splendiod tackle that was now availablej to anglers. -He urged the club to advertise the wonderful attractions at the j Bay of■ Islands, where it was proved that! they had the most wonderful .deep sea I fishing in the world. ■ |

Latest Captures. - Some. big game fish have been taken at. the Bay of Islands of late, recent captures being r Mr. F. Hellaby, a 2701b swordfish and a 1701b mako; Mr. C. A. Paveney (MorrinsvilleJ, a. 4001b mako. Several of the* anglers report having lost big fish.