Monster fish fought for 14 hours

By BRIDGET CARTER

In the dark off the coast of Northland, Jerry Garrett sat clinging to a long thin line that disappeared into the sea.

At its end was a monster - a 369kg broadbill swordfish that he believes is a world record on a 37kg line.

It took 14 hours and 20 minutes to land.

The broadbill, dubbed the gladiator because of its size and Latin name (Xiphias gladius), surfaced just before dawn yesterday. Mr Garrett's effort to pull it aboard had been an exhausting and emotional marathon.

He was fishing on the charter boat Major Tom II near Cape Karikari between Whangaroa and Houhora.

Yesterday, tourists and curious locals gathered at the Russell wharf to see the fish weighed.

The Bay of Islands fishing community is certain it is a world record, although it will take several months to confirm. The record stands at 332kg on a 37kg line.

The broadbill struck Mr Garrett's line at 2pm. At first, the 65-year-old thought it was either a very big fish or a badly hooked small fish.

But he sat on the boat all night holding tightly to his line.

"The angler must handle the fish from the time it strikes," he said, if a record was to be claimed.

Mr Garrett's wife Heather gave him some cheese and lemonade to keep his strength up.

When he finally saw the broadbill excitement took over.

"You see what could be the largest ever on that line so there is a rush of energy," he said.

"It was very strong and I landed it about 4.30 in the morning."

Mr Garrett and three others could get only the head of the fish into the boat and had to tow it to shore.

Mr Garrett, who moved to New Zealand from the United States in 1987 for the fishing and lifestyle, said the catch was quite an event in the fishing community. The Russell fisherman has caught 14 broadbill before.

He will give the latest catch to to the Bay of Islands Sword Fish Club.