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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 6 (October 1, 1928)

A Tarporina

A Tarporina.

It may be of interest here to refer briefly to the world “tarporina,” which seems to be puzzling a great number of enquires from many quarters.

Jaw of the World's Record Mako Shark caught by Lord Grimthorpe at Otehei Bay, Russell, N.Z., on 24th Jan., 1928 (weight of shark 630lb).

Jaw of the World's Record Mako Shark caught by Lord Grimthorpe at Otehei Bay, Russell, N.Z., on 24th Jan., 1928 (weight of shark 630lb).

A tarporina is made from a piece of wood about 1ft long and 1 1/2ft in diameter, and is painted with very bright colours. It is so made that when it is let out over the stern of the launch (a distance of from forty to fifty feet), it jumps about in and out of the water just like a frolicking fish. A tarporina is used to entice the big game fish, and certainly it does so. The launch moves at the rate of about four knots an hour, and there is no mistaking it when a swordfish sees a tarporina. The fish darts at it with his sword, rushes the tarporina, and in fact becomes quite furious becuase the “teasers” still keep on their way. The sword-fish goes for it in a fearful frenzy. At the right moment the tarporina is drawn in and the live bait, well hooked and attached to rod and line (which is in the angler's possion), is let over the stern of the launch. After a moment's intense suspense the sport begins in earnest. The swordfish takes the live bait and the angler allows the fish to run away with it for a distance of say 100 yards or 150 yeards. This is where the skill comes in and the angler must be ready to strike, and strike hard.

The swordfish, in its endeavour to extricate itself, rushes to the top of the sea, and leaps high in the air. This is done many times, and the antics this great sporting fish gets up to requires to be actually seen to be believed.

The fisherman, by winding in his line (a few yards at a time) goes through the process of what is known as “pumping,” and the strain on rod and line is so great that the tip of the rod is frequently touching the water.

After palying the fish for some hours (assuming the angler is successful in bringing the swordfish alongside the launch) the joy of landing his prize is beyond compare. When such a capture has been secured the flag is hoisted to the mast of the launch to signify the victory.

According to the Rules of the New Zealand Deep-Sea Angling Clubs, it is permissible to harpoon a shark, but sword-fish may only be gaffed. This is a very wise regulation.