BIG GAME FISHING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 23

BIG GAME FISHING.

AMERICAN NOVELIST’S VIEWS. AUCKLAND, January 13. Some novel views on the ethics of swordfishing were expressed to-day by Gouvcrneur Morris, the American author, who has returned to Auckland after a visit to the Bay of Islands. Having made his quarters at the new Zane Grey camp, at Urupukapuka, Mr Morris went in search of swordfish and mako shark on five days, but without success. He

caught a blue shark and hooked a male mako, which broke away after 15 minutes’ play.

“I am greatly prejudiced against the record-breaking tendencies of deep sea, or any other fishermen,” said Mr Morris* “The judging of a good day’s sport by the numbers caught is, in my opinion, merely butchery. For some people a holiday is spoiled if some other fellbw catches a bigger fish than they do. I think this outlook is disgusting. lam glad my mako got away, but I wished I could have played him for two hours instead of 15 minutes before he did make the break. He leapt once, and was a magnificent specimen, about 300 pounds I should say. The tackle used by New Zealand fishermen was as good as anyone needed for any of the fish. It wasi a thoroughly sporting tackle. One lost I>robably more big fish than one caught, but was not that as it should be? “If 'I could improve on it I should have a hook that would collapse when the fish’ was pulled alongside the launch so .that it could get away,” he added. “Why fish should be definitely killed I cannot see. When a man proves he is master of the fish —well, that is enough.

“The lack of information for visitors concerning the best time for fishing was. referred to by Mr Morris. “In America we do not get enough information about the sport,” he said. “Zane Grey told us in his book about the catching of fish, but nothing concerning when they were to be caught, and how to get to the most suitable places. I suggest it would pay your Government, or some authority, handsomely, to establish an information bureau in the United States for the guidance of sportsmen. Americans want fo know the time when the fish are to bo caught, the best way to get to the fishing grounds, the cost, and other details. “My impression of the Bay of Islands will remain indelible in my memory. If I owned it, and it were seven days’ voyage from the United States, I would soon be a rich man. Urupukapuka is a delightful spot, and, apart altogether from the .fishing, is a fine place for a holiday. Nowhere in America have we such a delightful environment. There are places perhaps as pretty, but not with such a pleasant climate all the year round. Tbo back country reminds me of my home State of Maine, with its white-painted villas and peaceful quiet.” Mr Morris stated that i. he could induce a friend and his wife to make the trip he would return next year, probablybringing a couple of small sailing boats with him. His idea of a perfect holiday would be to sail about the Bay of Islands, visiting the many beautiful bays and inlets, and resting where the night found him.