Three Marlin Caught On Opening Day

Northern Advocate, 5 June 1939, Page 4

Three Marlin Caught On Opening Day

[Special to “Northern Advocate ” 3

RUSSELL, This Day.

Deep-sea fishing history was made last year on June I—the first day of the Day of' Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club’s new year—when Mr G. J. Hassall caught the first striped marlin of the new season. Yesterday, history repeated itself, three striped marlin being caught on the first day of the 1939-1940 season. Visiting Angler Successful. Two anglers vied for the Tionour, which fell to Mr J. D. Canning, of Waipukurau. Fishing off Bird Rock, from the launch Minerva, Mr Canning caught his first marlin at 10.55 a.m., landing it after a hard 20-minute tussle. When, weighed in, this fish balanced the steelyards at 3161b5. A strike was made again almost immediately a new bait was in the Water, but the fish escaped. A third strike was made just before 11 a.m. 'and, after an arduous 50minute fight, during which time the fish jumped vigorously, the angler proved the winner. This fish turned the scale 'at 2921bs when weighed in at Otethei Bay. Mr Canning and Mr Davis, the

launch-owner, saw several rnofis striped marlin, but no further strikes were made.

Off Piercey Island

Fishing from file launch Lady Helen, Mr A. W. N. Campbell, of Hastings, was also successful in catching a 2601 b striped marlin off Piercey Island after a fairly good fight. Bait was scarce when the Lady Helen arrived, and only one knhawai was landed.

This lured a striped marlin on the troll almost 'as soon as it went into the water. As no further bait was

available, the Lady Helen returned to Russell.

Mr Canning, who wins for himself a coveted Kohn silver pin, caught all his bait off Black Rocks on the western side of the harbour, and had a plentiful supply for the day’s outing.