BIG GAME FISHING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21553, 16 January 1940, Page 6

BIG GAME FISHING

First Catch Of Season Timaru Man’s Success The distinction of catching the first striped marlin of the season off the Bay of Islands belongs to a Timaru sportsman, Mr A. E. Horwell. The achievement was the more notable as the sword fishing season does not normally commence until about the end of January. Mr Horwell’s catch was a fine specimen—a 244-pounder. On holiday in the Bay of Islands, Mr Horwell went out on December 28 ground fishing with a party of 10. When the launch was off Cape Brett the cry went up, “There’s a ‘swordy’!” Excitedly, the party watched the fish sporting in the water not more than 50 yards away. Although there was deep sea fishing gear on board, there was no bait. The skipper lost no time in throwing a small grappling line into a shoal of trevalli and hooked one eighteen inches long. The trevalli was immediately put on to the big gear and within three minutes the ‘swordy’ had taken it. “It was the hardest work I have ever done in my life,” said Mr Horwell to a reporter, in describing his hour’s struggle to land the catch. The swordfish broached 23 times, and it was a grand sight to see the monster leap 10 to 12 feet into the air in its bid for freedom. The striped marlin is the greatest sporting fish in the world because it puts all it has into the fight and is practically dead when brought alongside. Eventually the battling fish was brought to the side and hauled on deck after a worthy fight, and the launch hoisted its flag for a triumphal entry into Otehei, where the catch became a centre of interest to holiday makers and particularly to overseas sportsmen, principally Americans, who had been attracted by the fame of New Zealand waters for deep sea fishing. The catch was taken to the Zane Grey camp, the headquarters of the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club, , where it was officially weighed and a ■ certificate issued to Mr Horw’ell.

The party was in charge of Captain F. Voelcker, who was described by Mr Horwell as a wonderful sportsman and one who knew every point in the game.