MA MARCH 2014
18 WATERLINE
Mega marlin at Motunau A snapper fishing adventure to Plate Island has ended with a record size catch for one Tauranga couple. Gary and Tana Krom were out fishing at Motunau off the coast from Maketu in the late afternoon when they unexpectedly hooked a feisty black marlin weighing in at 361.2kg. “We were in shock – there was the screaming of the reel and the jumping out of the water. There was a bit of panic, but you have to think ‘right, what do I need to do here’.” The pair had headed out for a day’s fishing on their 10.8 metre launch, Primal Instinct, and anchored up at Plate on February 15. There was only the two of them on the launch when Gary decided to try his luck on the 37kg line. He baited up with kahawai live bait and secured the Shimano Tiagra reel, before casting off in what Tana says were choppy conditions. “Gary had the big rod out because black feed off live bait and it was near the full moon. “We initially thought it was a shark, as we had spotted a Mako in the area, so to begin with we didn’t take too much notice. We were pulling in fish even when we saw it jump.” It took 1.5 hours for Gary to haul in the catch, at which stage the couple was unable to pull the marlin on-board due to its weight. “It jumped a lot and took out a lot of line – about three-quarters of the line was gone before we could control it. We got it to the boat and
it went off again, and Gary went after it and we tied it up.” Tana made the quick decision to
call friends fishing in nearby launch Little Toot to help the pair secure the catch. “They just stood guard in another launch. Eventually, we went back to Plate Island and they boarded; and there were six of us who dragged it onto the boat. “Once it was on, we radioed in and SeaComms kindly organised the weigh-master at Sailsbury Wharf to come and take it off the boat and weigh it for us at about 10pm – that was very kind of them.” The female black marlin weighed in at 361.2kg at the Mount Maunganui Ocean
Tana and Gary Krom, with the 361.2kg black marlin caught at Plate Island. Sports Club – the biggest fish the Kroms have ever caught. It was then transported to Tauranga’s Game Fishing Club, where it was stored in the chiller overnight. The hearty-size fish has now been cut into pieces to feed friends and family, who Tana says have enjoyed it “both fresh and smoked”. The head, however, has been sent to the taxidermist to allow the Kroms a piece of the By Phillipa Yalden catch forever.
Hooking up with the clubs Tauranga Sport Fishing Club has been around for more than 90 years, but only recently has been based in Tauranga. The club was first set up in Opo Bay, also known as Southeast Bay on Mayor Island, in 1922 before being relocated in the 1990s. TSFC manager Grant Holley says originally a group of local businessmen got together, wanting to boost tourism in the Bay of Plenty. Opening the deep-sea fishing club on the island did just that, with tourists visiting from all over the world to target big game fish in the fertile waters. “It is one of the first five fishing clubs in New Zealand; it was a rich man’s sport back then though,” Grant says. The Tauranga-based club was then reopened on December 7, 1991, at Sulphur Point. This gave more anglers in the region access to the club – and memberships flourished.
Grant says the club currently has about 2500 members. “We have a lot of families and kids at the club; also a lot of people from the Waikato because it’s a close drive.” Being a member at the club means you not only get to enjoy the views, and wine and dine at the club, but also the chance get in on tournaments, club draws and seminars throughout the year. Competitions are on most months, covering everything from snapper to marlin and also some specifically for children. The club is affiliated with NZSFC and IGFA, which means all members can weigh fish in for possible New Zealand and world records. Grant says most anglers try and get the first and heaviest titles for marlin. “They are the most sort-after titles; if they don’t get the NZSFC title, they can go for the heaviest billfish club title.”
The club is also involved with the Wish for Fish charitable trust, which takes less able-bodied people fishing on the water. “When you go fishing it’s relaxing, and the camaraderie that goes with it is great,” says Grant. “It’s awesome they get to experience it.” With numerous extensions to the club during the years, there is not much left for members to do but fish, says Grant, who reckons the focus for the future is to keep providing a familyfriendly environment, jam-packed with things for its members to participate in.