Tournaments to mark first marlin

FIRST: Major AD Campbell in 1915 with the first recorded marlin caught on a rod and line in the Bay of Islands. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

One hundred years ago this month the first recorded marlin caught on a rod and line was landed in the Bay of Islands.

While Scotsman Major AD Campbell caused quite a stir in February 1915 when he brought a 106kg (233lb) striped marlin back to shore, he could not have suspected his catch would pave the way for the fishing exploits of Zane Grey, spawn a popular pastime and a charter fishing industry, and lead to the founding of one of the world's oldest game-fishing clubs.

Now the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club is celebrating the major's historic feat with a series of fishing tournaments.

The first, scheduled for March 4-7, is named after Zane Grey, the American writer and fisherman who popularised the Bay of Islands in the mid-1920s as a game-fishing destination through his book, Tales of the Angler's El Dorado.

Club president Bruce Smith said the Bay was still renowned worldwide for its game-fishing, a reputation that started with a few enthusiasts.

The club, which started in 1910, now had more than 1300 members and was still growing, he said.

"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."

Mr Smith said the club was expecting a big turnout for the tournaments, which were designed to appeal to a wide range of anglers. The Zane Grey tournaments will be followed by a Small Boats event on March 7-28 and a Tagging Tournament on April 17-18.