15SUMMER CoroLife 64p-FIN-LR-W-linksREV3

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pacific coast marine
29 Bryce St . Whitianga . 07 866 0551
VOLVO PENTA . HIDEA . CUMMINS . SUZUKI
locations all over the world, costing him almost all he had. Is there a
lesson in this for those who love the latest fishing tackle?
Exhibit celebrates notable catches
Also on display are casts of some of the more notable catches. One
is of a black marlin weighing 924 lbs (419kg) caught off the boat
Ronomor in 1947. It could never be recognised as a legitimate catch
as it took more than one angler to subdue the fish. However, it led to a
revival in game fishing after World War Two and a realisation that there
were some big fish out there. Displayed for many years in the local
pub, rumour has it that when the pub caught fire the cast was the first
item to be rescued.
Featured also are some of the pioneer charter skippers including
Connie Smith, believed to be the first female skipper in the world
(as well as a beauty contest winner), and Don Ross, pioneer skipper
and diver. (See stories next page.)With modern game fishing, tag
and release of catches is actively promoted. The museum display
demonstrates the technique and provides insight into the way
electronic fish tagging aids research.
Yes! The Mercury Bay Museum fishing display is fascinating,
interactive and educational, with something for everyone. It’s not just
about game fishing with even those who fish along the local beaches
being featured, and it has a conservation theme, along with excellent
interactive displays for all.
And then there’s commercial fishing. More about that next issue.
Above is the head cast of
a prize marlin caught by
Bill Clark (shown right)
that helped put Mercury
Bay on the map as a game
fishing destination.
Whitianga Hotel proprietor Ernie Chadban with first marlin and mako
shark, weighed in February of 1925. He helped found the Mercury
Bay Swordfish and Mako Shark Club, which was later reorganised
as the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club.
The Mercury Bay Museum is located in Whitianga on the Esplanade
opposite the wharf. Open seven days from 10am-4pm. 07-866-0730,
visit
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