QUEST FOR BIG FISH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21540, 11 July 1933, Page 14

QUEST FOR BIG FISH

SURVEYING FIJI WATERS LARGE TUNA CAUGHT [from ovr OWN correspondent] SUVA, -Tuly 3 With the object of surveying the fishing possibilities of tho Fiji waters Mr. R. B. Watson, of Matamata and tho Bay of Islands, recently arrived in Suva with the motor launch Wanderer 11. which ho brought down with him on tho Waipahi. The expenso of bringing the launch was met by the Fiji Government, with whom Mr. Watson got into communication following articles in tho New Zealand Herald regarding the fishing in Fiji. Since his arrival Mr. Watson, accompanied by Mr. Holder, a. Bay of Islands fisherman, has mado several short trips out of Suva, and on one of these recently landed what is thought to bo a tuna. The fish weighed 1151b. and was approximately 6ft. in length. This fish appears to be a stranger to local fishermen, but the consensus of opinion is to the effect that it is a tuna, which hitherto was not known to exist in these waters. Mr. Watson took the acting-Governor on a fishing trip on the lyst week-end when they secured a good haul of fair-sized fish. Svvordfish aro Mr. Watson's mission in Fiji, and on this occasion they sighted one near the boat, but unfortunately at the time did not have any gear out. Mr. Watson has left for the northern coast and will later go to Tavenni, where he intends to investigate the possibilities of swordfishing.