SPORT WITH BIG FISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 8

SPORT WITH BIG FISH.

record mako for season.

THRILLS OFF MERCURY ISLAND. LAUNCH ATTACKED IN FRENZY. [ B y TELEGRAPH. —OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] • \raiTIANGA, Monday. So far this season's big fish record bids fair to belong to Mr. Zane Grey s party here. Fishing a few miles from Mercury Island on Saturday, from the launch Zane Grey, in a choppy sea with a fairly stiS easterly wind blowing, Mr. Roraer Grey succeeded in catching the season's record mako shark, after a greatstruggle lasting about hours. The mako leaped and lashed the sea into foam for a long time, causing an anxious time for those of board. When nearly landed it was attacked by another mako, which tore one of the tail-fins off. The hooked mako, in its frenzy, struck at the launch, biting and bending the rudder. In doing this it broke several of its teeth, thus spoiling the appearance of its jaws.

When weighed the mako turned the scalo at 6061b., 241b. short of the world's record mako shark caught by Lord Grimthorpe on January 24, last year. Many onthusiastic people viewed the shark when it was brought ashoro here.

To-day's arrivals include Commander Rhodes and Mr. Ganley, Messrs, Board and Long.

CATCHES OFF CAPE BRETT.

HUGE MAKO BREAKS FREE

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN' CORRESPONDENT.] RUSSELL. Monday.

Catches off Cape Brett at the week-end W cre: —Mr. G. S. Reade, of Auckland, niako shark 691b., swordfish 2061b., when fishing from the launch Phyllis; Mrs. J. E. Gear, mako 1011b., launch Valhalla; Mr. H. Anderson, of Auckland, mako 1081b., launch Reliance; Lieut. G. C. F. Branson, of H.M.S. Diomede, swordfish 2431b., launch Mason B.; Mr. A. Fenwick, of Kenya Colony, South Africa, three mako 2001b., 1201b. and 811b., hammerhead shark 2161b., launch Otcliei.

Mr. Fenwick has had a most enjoyable time on the fishing grounds, having Eanded eight big-game fish. He left last night for Taupo, where lie hopes to have some sport with trout before leaving New Zealand.

Colonel C.' A. K. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson, of England, on their first trip to the fishing grounds, experienced thrills with big-game fish which are not likely to be forgotten. At two o'clock Colonel Johnson hooked an enormous mako, which he played for over two hours and a-half, and during this time the fish gave an excellent display of its fighting/ qualities. Colonel Johnson brought his reel and tackle from England with him. but under the great strain something went wrong with the reel, consequently the fish broke the lino and escaped. However, Colonel Johnson had good sport to-day, for he landed two mako sharks. Ho had another one on the hook but it got away. He went out to-day in (he launch Manaaki and while fishing off Cape Brett landed the two fish weighing 1241b. and 1931b., respectively.

Colonel Johnson speaks in high praise of the deep-sea angling launches used at Russell and is delighted with the fishing grounds.

REPORT FROM WHANGAROA.

SUCCESS OF VISITING ANGLERS

[BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

"VYIIANGAROA, Monday

Fishing at Whangaroa ovet tho weekend provided excellent sport. Fishing from tho launch Ethel, Major Straker, England, landed a swordfish weighing 1871b., and Mr. Eric La tube, 01 Sydney, fishing from the launch Rosemary, landed a fine mako shark weighing 2541b.