100 years of marlin fishing in Bay of Islands

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Anglers celebrate 100 years of marlin fishing in the Bay of Islands

Anglers are celebrating 100 years since the first marlin was caught on a rod and line in the Bay of Islands this month.

The 106kg (233lb) striped marlin was reeled in by Scotsman, Major A.D. Campbell, causing great excitement in Russell when it was brought in to be weighed in 1915.

To celebrate this historic event one of the world’s oldest game-fishing clubs, the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, is hosting a series of fishing tournaments.

“The Bay of Islands is renowned worldwide for its game-fishing and it all started with a few enthusiasts at the turn of the century. Now our club, which was started in 1910, has more than 1300 members and membership is growing,” says BOIS Club President Bruce Smith.

“Our club is also proud of our involvement in promoting tag and release for game fish to preserve our resource and the classification of marlin as a non-commercial species.”

Smith says the BOIS Club is expecting a big turnout for the tournaments which are designed to appeal to a wide range of anglers with big cash prizes for the best catches.

Forthcoming tournaments:

Small Boats, March 7-28

Tagging Tournament, April 17 and 18.

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