Broadbill Assistance

Mangonui Wharf

Wednesday 28^th May 2003

The call came for assistance by Major Tom11 over the Far North Coastguard VHF channel 60 at 6.50am. An angler had been fighting a Broadbill for over fourteen hours and they had finally managed to get the fish aboard, but it was so large it became wedged at the point of its pectoral fins, in the transom door. No boats in the immediate area were able to give assistance, so the decision was made to go to Mangonui wharf to get the fish lifted aboard the boat.

Doubtless Bay Sportfishing Club Committee members certainly came to the party. Club Captain George Wallbank, Weigh Master Paul Barrett, Co-Patron Geoff Herbert and several club members answered the call for assistance from these very weary boaties. It was thought at first that the club gantry situated on Mangonui wharf would be needed; however some technical and strong manoeuvring by the club Captain soon saw the large Broadbill safely aboard Major Tom 11.

The news filtered through later on that day that the Broadbill weighing in at 369.00kg was indeed heavier than the current world record on 37kg line, but just missed out on  the 10 – 1 record by one kilo. Perhaps that kilo might have been saved had the fish been weighed on the Doubtless Bay Sportfishing Club scales at Mangonui wharf at 10.00am instead of Bay of Islands later that day. Naturally, courtesy weigh facilities were offered to these affiliated club members, but sadly they were declined. Understandably the angler on Major Tom 11 wanted the fish to be accredited to the club in the Bay of Islands.

 The other factor in declining a courtesy weigh on Doubtless Bay Sportfishing Club scales would be-

The only weight that is recognised is the first weight of the fish on a recognised weigh station. Any other weight that may be established will not be recognised. NZBGFC “ANGLER, CREWS, BOAT OWNERS & CHARTER BOAT CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN THEY COME INTO THE WEIGH STATION” refers.

Statistics-

Date:                28^th May 2003

Angler:             J Garrett

Fish:                 Broadbill

Tackle:             37kg

Launch:            Major Tom 11

Skipper:           Geoff Stone