DEEP-SEA FISHING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 33, 9 February 1927, Page 5

DEEP-SEA FISHING

MANY LAUNCHES AT WORK

Swordfish are on the eve of being taken in. largo numbers by anglers in the Russell deep-sea fishing grounds (says the "New Zealand Herald").. The weather conditions are now perfect and the schools of smaller fish which usually accompany the swordfish are constantly present, while sharks arc being more easily captured. The swordfish are gradually leaving ". the deeper waters, so that each day between Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands more are sighted. During the past five days at least twenty launches have scoured the seas within this area. Every method of attracting swordfish has been thoroughly tri-ed and honours so far go to the' New Zealand methods. While local anglers have changed over to the reel and line on top of the rod, they persist in the drifting method and the use of the treble hook. The hook is baited and allowed to sink to a depth of fifty or so feet, while the launch drifts with the engine power off. The overseas idea is to trail or troll gaudily-coloured ■" teasers " which disturb the water, with the intention of making the swordfish inquisitive. When a fine is sighted lines -with baited single hooks are cast between the "teasers."

The drifting method has been respon-' sible for nearly all the swordfish taken during last week, although practically every launch has used both methods in efforts to secure fish.

Commander Leake, R.N"., who was attached to the staff of the Prince of Wales during his tour of India and New Zealand, has arrived at the Zane Grey sporting club for a month's fishing. On. Saturday, in company with Mr. Alma Baker, Commander Leake visited the Cavalli Islands. With the usual luck of beginners he succeeded in landing- a 3001b stripe'fl marlin and lost another. . '.

Mr. Frederick K. Buruham, of San Francisco, on the launch Marlin, on Saturday, off Piercy Isiand, near Cape Brett, captured a 5081b thresher shark. The New Zealand record thresher shark was caught last year and weighed 5201b.