BIG GAME FISHING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 116, 19 May 1933, Page 8

BIG GAME FISHING

NEW ZEALAND’S EXAMPLE. NB.W. PREPARES. SYDNEY, May 4. Stories of big-game fishing in the waters of North Auckland have always entranced the very ordinary fisherman of New South Wales, and they have regretted time and again that they have not similar facilities. They bewailed their lot to such an extent that fisheries experts were moved to ask them what they were complaining about. New Zealand, they said, did not have all the big fish in the world. There were fish just as big off the coast of Australia simply asking to be caught. What of the Barrier Reef? Had they ever stopped to think of the possibilities there! Had they thought of Port Stephens, which was quite handy tu Sydney? New Zealand had been wide awake enough to exploit its fishing grounds, and it was a reflection on Australians that Australia had not done likewise. There was no reason for Australian fishermen to develop an “in feriority complex,” and that was what they had done. Can it be true, thought the Australian fishermen, that we have neglected this great sport through our ignorance? “It is true,” replied the experts, and then the local fishermen got busy. They made a few more inquiries, and now they have formed a Big-game Fishermen’s Association, and they have linked up with the Rod Fishermen’s .Society of New South Wales. Now, for rhe first time, if the plans do not go astray, big-game fishing will become a specialised sport in New South Wales, and New Zealand will have to look to | its laurels. The new body has drawn up a programme equal in size and scope to the elaborate undertakings in America and New Zealand, and New Zealand activities will serve as a model.

In matters dealing with the recording and collection of information regarding the movements of big-game fish along the coast, and with the type of equipment to be used in their capture, the advice of recognised authorities in other countries will be sought, and will be modified in accordance with the peculiar demands of the local fishing grounds. It is the intention of the society to co-operate with the larger organisations in New Zealand, in order 1o make known the attractions and the possibilities of big-game fishing off the coast of Australia. With a view to investigating the movements of large fish near the Barrier Reef, representatives of the society will embark on a special expedition, and they hope that the information, they will gain will be of assistance in discovering big-game fishing grounds closer to Sydney. The first big fishing expedition wil] leave Sydney in June, making its headquarters al Por Stephens. It will be equipped with the most up-to-date tackle ami accessories that it is within the power of tho parent club to provide.