A BIG SWORDFISH

Southland Times, Issue 19458, 24 January 1925, Page 5

A BIG SWORDFISH

FIRST OF THE SEASON. AUCKLAND, January 22. The first swordfish to be landed at Russell this season was caught by J. Marsden Caughey off Cape Brett. The fish was of true sporting type, extending the angler for one and a quarter hours. When finally hauled on board the launch it was found to weigh 2401 b, and was almost eleven feet long. Caughey was using the launch Phyllis owned by Harry Fuller. He is an experienced deep-sea fisherman, and the fish was hooked close in to Bird Rock. Conditions were almost ideal, there being a light northerly with the sky slightly overcast. As is customary with these fish, the big fellow struck out on a true northerly course. It broke water half a dozen times in a most spectacular manner and, fighting for its head, at the end of an hour had taken the party five miles off shore; by that time, however, the fishermen were beginning to master it. The fish continued to fight gamely to the last, and when brought to Russell caused some excitement, as the catch signalises the beginning of the busy season.

Indications of the presence of swordfish and mako sharks were seen on the fishing grounds, and a successful season is predicted by local fishermen. The record swordfish caught last year weighed 3401 b.