FISH THAT FIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 50, 28 February 1923, Page 5

FISH THAT FIGHT

SPORT OFF MAYOR ISLAND

A 350L8 SWORDFISH LANDED.

(BY IEtEORAPH.—SPECIAL 10 THE POST.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

What is probably a record so far a> the hooking of swordfish in New Zealand waters is concerned has been established off Mayor Island during the past week. Two parties of visitors have been at work with the rod.

On Monday last a party on board the launch Dorothy, Messrs. Thompson, Branson, Campbell, and M. Sinclair, landed a swordfish which weighed about 2831b. On Wednesday Mr. Sinclair landed- a- mako shark weighing 2871b, and having a formidable set of teeth. On Thursday the weather was not favourable, although several swordfish were sighted. On Friday the party hooked several swordfish, but did not effect any kills, but the sport on Saturday was magnificent. The party hooked seven swordfish, and landed two of 3501b and 2301b respectively.

One of the exciting episodes experienced was the hooking of three swordfish at one time on different lines. Mr. Branson's fish ran across Mr. Sinclair's fish and the latter's line was cut. The. other two fish then ran in opposite directions. Mr. Branson's line ran out for 320 yards to its limit, and then snapped. The remaining fish was held by Mr. Thompson and was drawn up close to the boat, but was lost when within harpooning distance.

Another party on the launch Hokimai also tested the grounds, and had splendid sport. They were Messrs. P. A. M'Hardy and E. Cliff M'Cullough. On Tuesday the weather was very rough. Mr. M'Cullough, fishing under the lee of tho island in the afternoon, hooked a swordfish which headed for the fcea. After an hour's fight and a run of two miles, the swordfish headed into very rough water, and had to be abandoned. The weather on Wednesday was rough. Mr. M'Hardy hooked an exceptionally largo swordfish, but after an hour and a half the fish reached rough water, and, in the attempt to draw it alongside the boat, a heavy surge caAsed the line to snap, and the fish was lost. On Friday morning Mr. M'Cullough hooked a swordfish close in under the lee of the island. This fish put up a great fight. It made off in an easterly direction, and took the launch seven miles from the island before it- was harpooned. It weighed 2831b. On Saturday Mr. M'Hardy hooked a swordfish. The launch Qorothy was then about three-quarters of a mile away from the Hokimai, and those aboard the Dorothy had also hooked a swordfisli shortly" before. After half an hour's play the two swordfish came close together. Both anglers had run out all their line, and in attempting to prevent them crossing the launch Hokimai unfortunately cut Mr. Campbell's line and Dorothy's fish was lost. About half an hour afterwards' Mr. M'Hardy drew his fish aboard the Hokimai. This sword fish weighed 2921b. Next day Mr. "M'Hardy hooked ;) swordfish which fought for three-quarters of an hour and was eventually captured, and when weighed turned the scale at 2701b. This fish was sent tc the local freezing works, with a viewto its inclusion in the New Zealand exhibit of fish to be forwarded to the Empire Exhibition.