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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 1 (May 1, 1929)

Catching Big Game Fish — Lord and Lady Hillingdon Indulge in the Thrilling Sport

page 38

Catching Big Game Fish
Lord and Lady Hillingdon Indulge in the Thrilling Sport

Far in the distance, 'cross the heaving wave,
Loom Piercy Island and the famed Cape Brett,
Where anglers gather “mal de mer” to brave,
The “swordie” and the “mako” shark to get.—C.A.K.J.

Lord and Lady Hillingdon, of England, who have been spending a holiday at the Bay of Islands, left recently for Auckland, where they embarked upon the R.M.S. “Aorangi,” homeward bound for the Old Country.

They were both enthusiastic in their praise of New Zealand, and of the thrilling sport—the fascination—associated with hunting big game fish in the world's most famous fishing grounds off Cape Brett. Their first glimpse of the historic Bay of Islands and of Urupukapuka Island (where they made their headquarters at the new fishing rendezvous), deeply impressed the visitors.

Upon arrival at Otehei Bay, Lord and Lady Hillingdon were particularly interested in the formation of the country and somewhat surprised to find they were in a delightful bay, practically land-locked, with lovely native bush growing down the precipitous cliffs to the water's edge.

The pohutukawa trees, with their roots lying exposed to all weathers, came in for their full share of praise.

When the party noticed the huge monsters of the deep (caught that day), hanging upon the derrick on the new wharf provided for deep-sea anglers, they found it almost incredible that such fine big game fist could be safely landed by means of rod and line. A line no thicker than a piece of string a shopkeeper might use when tying a parcel. The thought that either of them might be fortunate enough to land one of these monsters did not enter their heads at that moment.

It was the first time they had seen a swordfish, and both expressed the wish that at least one of these fish would be landed by them before the time came when they must take their departure.

On arrival at the camp itself Lady Hillingdon made the remark that she had been of the opinion that she was to “camp,” instead of which she had been brought to a “Ritz.” This up-to-date rendezvous, with its large verandah (75 feet long by 16 feet wide), in front of the main building, was to provide the visitors with an unexpectedly comfortable home during their stay.

The quarters allotted to Lord and Lady Hillingdon were situated alongside the sandy beach with the sea coming up to the front door. The native bush on the hills nearby made the three-roomed bungalow most picturesque—this bungalow was occupied by Lord and Lady Grimthorpe last year. (It will be remembered that Lord Grimthorpe visited Urupukapuka Island in January of 1928 and successfully landed the world's record mako shark, which turned the scales at 630lbs.)

The morning after their arrival, both Lord and Lady Hillingdon, being anxious to make an early start with the fishing, were astir shortly after daybreak. Arrangements having been made for a launch and the necessary fishing gear, an early start was made for the region where game fish abound.

Never before had Lord and Lady Hillingdon seen such shoals of fish as were to be observed in the waters in and around Cape Brett. The thousands of birds feeding on the small fry as the big fish drove them to the surface was a sight to behold.

At intervals, with a sound as of a brook rushing over boulders, the shoal would jump from the water. When this happens it is evidence that big game fish are attacking the shoal.

The fishing party did not have to wait long before a big tug was felt on one of the lines and Lord Hillingdon was soon engaged fighting hard with one of the monsters of the deep. Before long it was discovered that Her Ladyship had hooked a mako, which gave a good display of its sporting qualities and, on many occasions, leapt clear of the water. Needless page 39 to say, the angler was much elated with her first catch.

Shortly after the mako had been hauled aboard the launch Lord Hillingdon felt a fish devouring his bait, but it was discovered that a tiny mako had had the temerity to attack a kahawai almost as big as the fish itself. By a strange coincidence the weight of this baby mako was only 111bs. (A few weeks ago Colonel C. A. K. Johnson, of England, who was fishing near the same place, landed a world's record baby mako.)

During a couple of days, when the weather was too unpropitious to go out as far as Bird Rock and Piercy Island, Lord and Lady Hillingdon derived much sport from playing the kingfish, which abound in the many bays and sheltered inlets. They also took advantage of walking along the grassy slopes of Urupukapuka, and viewing the beautiful scenery from the hill tops. The Bay of Islands, with its many small islands dotted about the harbour, presents a charming scene from the hill tops.

Lord Hillingdon, the day before his departure, successfully played a swordfish for nearly an hour, and the thrills this sporting fish gave him will ever remain fresh in his memory. The marton dashed off with his bait at a terrific pace and the antics that this fish performed during the time it was being played were most spectacular. Lady Hillingdon, too, experienced the great pleasure of landing a fine swordfish on her own account.

The distinguished visitors have given instructions for the two swordfish heads to be mounted by the taxidermist on Urupukapuka Island and to be shipped to their country home in Notting-hamshire. Before sailing, both Lord and Lady Hillingdon expressed their appreciation to the staff for the excellent arrangements made for their comfort and said they would always have happy memories of their first experience of deep sea fishing. Lord Hillingdon added a word of praise for the up-to-date launches used for the sport and was very much impressed with the way in which the launch masters carry out their work. It is no easy task, especially when once a monster is hooked.

Both Lord and Lady Hillingdon have found the charm of New Zealand irresistible and hope to return the year after next.

They go home to describe to their friends in the Old Country what a really delightful place New Zealand is.

“The engine stutters its fiery song As the things of earth flash by…” On the way to Whangarei, North Auckland.

“The engine stutters its fiery song
As the things of earth flash by…”
On the way to Whangarei, North Auckland.