TUTUKAKA CATCHES

Northern Advocate, 22 March 1935, Page 4

TUTUKAKA CATCHES

HAUL OF SWORDFISH.

THREE LANDED YESTERDAY. DEEP-SEA FISHERMEN operating: The claims of Tutukaka as a centre for deep-sea fishing have, been, put forward many times in the past. It was perhaps the publicity which the small centre received that caused Mr S. Ellis, of Hamilton, and Mr Watson, of Suva, to try their luck there. !

These two deep-sea fishermen have been camped at Tutukaka for the past few days, and have been operating, Mr Ellis from the Reelemin, and Mr Watson from the Wanderer.

Yesterday they had good sport, and brought home with them last evening three swordfish, the biggest of which runs to about 3501b5. This was caught by Mr Ellis, who reports that he lost a big fish, which broke his line.

Mr Watson’s haul was two smaller swordfish, the weights being approximately 300 and 280 lbs, The fish were caught just outside the harbour, off the Sugar Loaf, and substantiate the claims put forward by Tutukaka for recognition as a deep-sea fishing centre. ,Mr Ellis is enthusiastic about iS the sport to be obtained, and said that during the day they “rose” nine fish, one of which was the biggest he had seen thyis season. He considered that the waters between Tutukaka and the Poor Knights were as good as any he had fished, and that Tutukaka is an ideal base. * Fishing could be commenced as soon as vtlie harbour limits were passed, he said. In addition to sighting a number of marlin,, the party saw two tunny near the Sugar Loaf. > Mr Ellis stated that it was his definite Intention to fish from Tutukaka next season, and he expressed the hope that a club , would be formed before then by those interested in big-game fishing. , Mr W. Watson, of Tutukaka, has erected a sheer-legs on which the fish will be weighed.