DEEP-SEA ANGLING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 113, 3 August 1927, Page 12

DEEP-SEA ANGLING

RECORD .CATCHES INTERESTING FIGURES (From Our Own Correspondent.) RUSSELL, To-day. Some interesting records are available in connection with the thrilling sport of deep-sea angling in the Bay of Islands for the 1926-1’ 7 season. It will be remembered that the Duke of York spent two days deep-sea fishing in the waters around Cape Brett on February 24 and 23 of this year, and he expressed himself as being delighted with his fishing trip to the Bay of Islands. It was evident to all who were near His Royal Highness when he was handling rod and line that this was a sport greatly to his liking. The beauties of the Bay of Islands and the sport of the big game fish have kindled in him a desire to see more of this enchanting spot. The Duke of York gave expression to this yearning when he remarked that he was looking forward to the time when he could spend a month in the waters around Cape Brett. The number of anglers who visited the Bay of Islands last season expressed their pleasure at seeing such a fine club house erected at Otehei Bay. on the famous island of Urupukapuka. which is situated alongside the finest fishing grounds in the world. During the fishing season exceptionally bad weather prevailed, which meant the anglers could not go out after the denizens of the deep as often as they desired. In spite of the inclement weather, no fewer than 231 big game fish were landed on rod and line, and the grand total weight of fish caught was 62,2901 b., or, in other words, the total weight was 27 tons 1G cwt. and 181 b. In other parts of the world swordfish are considered an edible food, and in America the broadbill is eagerly sought after. Unfortunately the people of New Zealand have not acquired the taste for this kind of fish, and the only thing to be done with them is for the launch men to tow the huge monsters out to sea after tfceir weight has been duly recorded. With regard to the sharks, although in some parts of the world industries have been set up to turn into good account this waste product, nothing has at present been done in thbi Dominion. 1926-1927 SEASON The following is a list of the Bay of Islands Club'V *%cord catches for the season:— January 18. 27. —Mako sharlc. 5771 b., caught by Mr. F. B. Lewis, of Norfolk, England, fishing i*uch Rosemary. March 14, 27.—Black marlin, 7501 b., caught by Mr. A. Ross Martin, of Auckland, from launch Doris. February 5, 27.—Hammer-head shark, 4621 b., caught by Mr. C. F. C. Miller, Kawa Ivawa, when fishing from the launch Doris. January 25, 27. —Broadbill, 4221 b., caught by Mr. F. K. Burnham, of Martinez, California, America, when fishing from the launch Marlin. February 20, 27.—Swordfish, 3511 b., caught by Commander Billyard Leake, of Ayrshire, Scotland, when fishing from the launch Manaaki. February 5, 1927.—Thresher shark, 509 lb., caught by Mr. F. K. Burnham, of Martinez, California, America, when fishing from the launch Marlin. RECORDS FOR 1926-1927 Number of Fish Caught Each Month November 1 December 10 January 32 February 112 March 69 April 5 May 2 Grand Total 231 GRAND SUMMARY 107 Swordfish *>© 0531 b 105 Mako Shark 25,5171 b! 9 Black Marlin 4,2791 b. 7 Hammer-head Shark . . . . 25431 b 2 Thresher Shark 1,1561b’ 1 Broadbill 4421 b! 231 Fish Grand Ttotal in lb. Weight 62,2901 b. Grand Total . C2,2901b.