FIGHTING TUNA

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 200, 21 May 1931, Page 2

FIGHTING TUNA

Fisherman’s Sharp Tussle 2001 b. SPECIMEN While fishing for groper in Fovcaux Strait, in the vicinity of Ruapukc Island, last week. Captain IL Roderique. of Bluff, hooked a tuna and secured it on board of his boat after a sharp fight. The fish was taken to Bluff, where it caused considerable interest in fishing circles. It is said to be the first tuna ever caught on a line in New Zealand waters. Captain Roderique brought the fish to the surface after he had hooked it. in spite of its frantic struggles, but when it reached the surface of the water it tore the heavy groper hook from its jaws mid would hitvo made off but for the fact that the line became entangled around its tail and hampered its movements. It was secured with a boathook and dragged on board. It continued to fight viciously and bit and snapped about, and in doing so bit a stanchion and broke several of its teeth. Captain Roderique stated that it was the most savage fish he had ever seen on the deck of a boat. ; The fish was about 4ft. Gin. long, and that indicates that it is somewhat smaller than the specimen found on Oreti Beach on June 9, 1929, by. Messrs. J. K. Grant, of Invercargill, 'and E. M. Garrett, of Auckland. That fish weighed 2001 b, and created great interest when it was discovered, it being believed to be the first one ever found in New Zealand waters at that time. ■ The tuna is said to bo the king of the bi"-gatne fishes, and can only be successfully caught with rod and line by the physically fit, tuna of 1001 b having been known to fight, for 14 hours before being landed. An expedition, which spent some time off the const, went out in search of tuna after the previous specimen was found on Oreti Beach, but without success.