AMONG THE BIG FISH

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12257, 22 February 1937, Page 4

AMONG THE BIG FISH

MAYOR ISLAND FISHING GROUNDS DECLARED TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD BY VISITORS WHO HAVE FISHED IN OTHER MUCH ADVERTISED WATERS.

A FISHERMAN’S PARADISE

SPORT THIS YEAR EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD

The record of catches of swordfish and shark by the several parties that have been out to Mayor Island since the beginning of the year provides convincing proof that the claims so persistently made for many years are not unfounded. Those claims are that at probably no other spot in the world can the fishing enthusiast follow his bent with such complete satisfaction as he can on the fishing grounds off Mayor Island. And yet we found that instead of pioneering this wonderful asset and assisting and fostering it to the utmost the New Zealand Government Tourist Department seems oblivious to the fact that it does exist, and within such an easy distance of Rotorua. Apparently at the moment an inciuircr at any tourist office or agency in New Zealand —and elsewhere for the matter of that —is met with the reply that for deep-sea fishing he must go to Russell. How ridiculous! A tourist coming to New Zealand naturally expects to visit Rotorua and from there he is hied off to the far north, with the sport he seeks practically alongside him when he has reached Rotorua. Why this should be passes understanding. Why should it be that an undoubted tourist attraction can only receive recognition

by the Tourist Department when its existence is thrust upon it?

As we remark, the records in these columns during the past few weeks of the catches made off Mayor Island are ample evidence that we have here an asset of inestimable value from the tourist point of view. Nor is it only the overseas visitor we have to consider. In New Zealand, despite the fact that to many. Mayor Island fishing grounds are well known, there are numbers who have never heard of them or are only dimly aware that the finest deep-sea fishing in the world is to be enjoyed there. With its natural scenic attractions, the charm of its beaches, and fishing of all kinds, whether it be trout fishing in our rivers, hand-line fishing in the harbour, or the deep-sea fishing with Mayor Island as a base, Tauranga has an undoubted claim to rank as one of the Dominion’s important tourist resorts. Tourist League, Borough Council, Deep-Sea Fishing Club, Chamber of Commerce, with the co-operation of the member for the district, Mr Burnett, all must make a concerted effort to secure for Tauranga that recognition by the Tourist Department that its importance deserves.