What may be the first broadbill swordfish caught recreationally in South Island waters was recently landed by The ITM Fishing Show presenter, Matt Watson.
In Greymouth to film an episode on commercial albacore fishing where Matt was working as a crewman, the popular presenter took some swordfishing gear along for the ride, hoping to get the opportunity to use it. He was aboard Cova Rose, a name familiar to many readers. She leads a double life today, licensed as both a recreational charter vessel and commercial fishing boat.He took along two Shimano Tiagra 80s for the ride, as well as several broadbill rigs, in the hope of encountering favourable conditions for a broadbill drift.
“We chose a spot with similar features to those we look for up north, and rigged up albacore and squid baits, setting one deep and the other a little shallower.”
There were no suitable sinkers, so Matt improvised with a bit of chain and two jigs taped together.
“The shallower squid bait was eaten at 3.30am and the battle commenced.”
Matt was using stand-up gear, and despite being restricted to just one corner of the boat due to the ice boxes and commercial gear on board, had the broadbill alongside 80 minutes later.The drama was not yet over though, as there were no flying gaffs on board, but after a bit of a tussle the 207kg fish was eventually secured.
The fish was weighed at the Greymouth Fishing Club, and as far as Matt can determine, this fish is likely to be the first one caught by a recreational angler in South Island waters.
Any reader who has any knowledge of a swordfish being caught by a recreational angler from Mainland waters is invited to pass the information on to NZ Fishing News. Please contact the writer on (09) 634 9851 or email grant.dixon@fishnz.co.nz.
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