The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club

The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club has clubhouses overlooking the water in both Paihia and Russell. Both have bar and meal facilities as well as excellent displays of historic fishing photographs, tackle and memorabilia. The B.O.I. Swordfish Club is a founding member of the N.Z. Sport Fishing Council Inc. and is affiliated to I.G.F.A., NZ Chartered Clubs, The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and the Opua Cruising Club. Members of all affiliated clubs are most welcome to enjoy the Clubs facilities when visiting the area. 

Coming Events

• Marlin Skins 11-13March, 2009
• AB FAB Ladies Contest 14-15 March, 2009
• Clubs NZ Tournament 20-21 March, 2009

History

The story of the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club goes back to 1918 with the founding of the Bay of Islands Kingfish Club. In 1924 the Kingfish Club was disbanded and the remaining members formed the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club

During this time Zane Grey the American writer and fisherman came to the Bay of Islands and made it famous around the world with his book 'The Anglers El Dorado'

The original boards used to record catches from 1925 to 1930 were found and restored and are now on display in the Russell Clubhouse, Zane Grey's name can be see against many of the catches.

Around 1953 the name was changed again to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, the name under which the Club has celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1999.

The history of the Club, its anglers, boats and boatmen is almost the history of game fishing in New Zealand, from its first location on the wharf at Russell to now with Clubhouses in both Russell and Paihia. The many photos, trophies, mounts, rods and reels on display at both clubhouses provides an interesting viewing for both anglers and anyone interested in the art of fishing and local history.

No story of fishing in the Bay is complete without the history of the boats. On the walls of the Clubhouse are examples of the evolution of 'game boats' over the years.

Contact details

The Bay of Islands Swordfish (Inc)
Clubrooms in The Strand, Russell,
and at Marsden Road, Paihia,
New Zealand
Phone:64-9-403-7857 Fax:64-9-403-7847
Email:- swordfish@xtra.co.nz