DEEP-SEA FISH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 16

DEEP-SEA FISH

| PEAISE FOE DOMINION I AMERICAN ANGLER'S VIEW j FINEST GROUNDS IN WORLD ■ 1 I 'another visit planned ! a" . ■ I 'New Zealand undoubtedly possesses the finest big-game fishing grounds in | the world, according to the wellknown American deep-sea angler, Dr. ' L. Sutton, of Kansas City, who left for Sydney by the Monterey yesj"" terday. In 10 days spent at Mayor Island and 12 days at Whangaroa, Dr. and Mrs. Sutton" landed 25 fish of an aggregate weight of nearly: 69001b.

This is the third occasion on which Dr. Sutton has visited New Zealand for the deep-sea fishing, and, although the later run of the fish this season did not enable him to equal his catches of the two previous years, he regarded the sport as excellent. During their 10-day stay at Mayor Island, Dr. and Mrs. Sutton caught 10 sharks and swordfish, while 12 days' 'fishing at Whangaroa yielded a further 15. Mrs. Sutton alone secured seven striped marlin and one black marlin of an average weight of 2511b. each. ' The whole world is a sporting ground for Dr. Sutton. He has hunted big game in .Africa, India, Indo-China and the Polar Regions, and his quests for deep-sea fish have also taken him to many, parts .of the world. However, the most exciting, sport, he said yesterday, had been obtained on the gamefish grounds off the coast of New Zealand, which, in his opinion, were far superior to any in other parts of the world. The striped marlin of the famous Gulf of California were only miniatures when compared with the fish caught in the Dominion. "I am an enthusiastic disciple of the Mayor Island ground, my only objection to the territory being its unprotected coastline," Dr. Sutton stated. "Whangaroa also afforded us outstanding sport, and I am looking forward to a further visit of two and a-half months to the Dominion next year. Reference should also be made tp the keenness and efficiency of tho New Zealand boatmen and to the admirable type of boat which is maintained on the grounds." STRIPED MARLIN LANDED FIGHT LASTS FIVE HOURS . {by telegraph OWN correspondent] * > . WHANGAROA, Friday f After a thrilling fight of five hours, a 3261b.' striped marlin was landed by Mr. K. V. Jeffrey, of Wellington, on the Whangaroa deep-sea fishing grounds to-day. Another striped marlin weighing 2531b. was secured by Mr. T. M. Smith,of Wellington, in 20 minutes. ' '