STINGRAY CAUGHT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32913, 24 September 1947, Page 8

STINGRAY CAUGHT

EXCITMENT IN SMALL BOAT INCIDENT ON THAMES COAST While fishing off Waikawau recently Mrs H. Blanch, of Puru, had an exciting adventure with a large stingray. Mr and Mrs Blanch and a friend were in a small boat fishing for schnapper. The fish were coming in rather slowly when suddenly Mrs Blanch realised that her catch was more than a woman could handle and passed the line over to her husband. A large stingray had taken the baited hook, and although the line was a small one if held the big fish while a terrific struggle ensued. Thrashing about in the green water, the stingray put up a hard fight, pulling the boat with its occupants after it and even dragging the heavy anchor. It was some time before things settled down and the boat resumed an even keel. The fish was secured with an iron gaff then towed to shallow water and brought up on the beach where it soon attracted the attention of passing motorists as it lay in the mid-day sun gasping, flapping its great sides and making- vicious passes with its tail. The fish was four feet wide and six foot three inches long. It appeared to be bloated with water and was about 18 inches thick through the middle. Of a delicate pink underneath and dove grey on top, the stingray still managed to be a rather repulsive sight with its beady little eyes and its barbed sting about eight inches long. The sting was removed from its tail 'as a souvenir. ’