Author Zane Grey
Publisher Angus & Robertson
Date 1982
Rating ****
Thei book is a reworking of the 1921 original Tales of the Angler’s Eldorado, New Zealand but now includes many mako shark tales
The book follows his first trip from the USA to the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, primarily after billfish. On arriving he talks to local anglers, watches their techniques, and is horrified to see that they are trying to catch, what he regards as a game fish, on little more than steel-centred built cane salmon rods and scarborough reels using a livebait hooked through the back with a three-hook rig. Unsurprisingly virtually all the fish were lost.
Zane grey extols the efficiency of his trolling techniques with the latest American tackle which he demonstrates to the locals. He is self-opinionated as ever but does tell exciting stories of huge captures including mako shark attacking boats.
He also paints wonderful pictures of life after WWI heading to New Zealand on a mail vessel, the picturesque islands, the beautiful birds and their songs, the bait balls of fish covering acres. It must have been an incredible sight and makes you long for those days.
He is a great story writer but there are conflicting views which seem illogical today. He argues how cruel the local anglers are in harpooning their catch ending their life quickly whereas he would gaff his prey after having a long fight, all of his fish being killed, strapped to the back of the boat to be weighed.
I am glad we live in more enlightened times when fish are always released and frequently tagged for scientific research, although we still have some way to go with our handling of shark. However, this doesn’t detract from an enjoyable read.