DEEP-SEA FISHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22405, 29 April 1936, Page 14

DEEP-SEA FISHING

SPORT IN NEW ZEALAND "BEST IN THE WORLD" ENGLISH VISITOR'S VIEWS "So far nothing outstanding in game fish has been taken from Australian waters, so I cannot see how Mr. Zane Grey can justify his statement that the finest big game fishing waters in the world are round Australia," said Mr. H. White-Wickham, of London, yesterday. Mr. Whito-Wiekham is now making his eleventh visit to New Zealand for deep sea fishing. He says New Zealand waters are by far the best in the world, an opinion supported by the fact that almost all the world's records for size of fish have been secured here. Australia is making great efforts to attract overseas fishermen. A Federal body for the control of the sport has been formed, facilities are to be provided at every fishing port and advertising of the sport is to be done overseas. "It is all very well Mr. Zane Grey boosting Australian fishing," said Mr. White-Wickham, "but he should back his statement up by facts. The record black marlin taken in Australia weighed 450 to 4601b.; Captain L. Mitchell caught the world's record in New Zealand and it weighed 9971b. Practically the only world's record lost to New Zealand was one I held for a broadbill. My fish weighed 6231b., but one was secured off the South American coast weighing over 7001b. Mention has been made of a swordfish caught by Mr. Zane Grey outside Sydney Heads. It was the first caught there, and it weighed only 1601b." Mr. White-Wickham pointed out that he had fished in Australian waters, off the Florida coast and in other deep sea fishing areas. He first came to fish in New Zealand in 1921, and he says the fact that he has since visited New Zealand regularly speaks for itself. His recent trip to the Bay of Islands increased his weight of game fish taken to 52,5471b. "The season has been a wonderful one for black marlin," he said. "I have never known more. Many big ones were lost by novices, however." Mr. White-Wickham will leave Auckland for England on May 7.