Fishing in Oceania
When a continent already contains the word “ocean” in its name, it hardly needs saying that everything here revolves around the sea. This refers to Australia itself as well as its northern neighbors (Papua New Guinea) and the islands to the east, including New Zealand. As the entire area extends over several climate zones, fishing is correspondingly diverse. In the tropical north, the classic (little) big game fish can be found, while in the deep south of New Zealand, with its cold fjords, the fishing is almost reminiscent of Norway.
Fishing techniques range from popping, jigging and trolling in the north of the continent to natural bait and deep-sea fishing in the south. Particularly outstanding areas here are the Great Barrier Reef (one of the world’s best areas for black marlin fishing, but also very good for giant trevally), which is located on the north-east coast of Australia (near Cairns), then the Ningaloo Reef in the west of Australia (near Exmouth) and — not to be forgotten: The north-east coast of New Zealand, probably the best swordfish fishery in the world.
Fish species
Black Marlin
The second largest marlin species – although if you were to go by the still valid IGFA world record (black marlin: 1560 pounds, blue marlin: 1402 pounds), the black marlin would even be ahead. However, professional fishermen have already caught much bigger “blues”. In any case, it is a gigantic swordtail that can only be distinguished at first glance by experts due to its similarity to its blue relative. The Australian Great Barrier Reef is probably one of the best fishing grounds in the world. Fishing is done with trolling lures and pitchbaits (natural baits).
Swordfish
This swordfish, known in Latin as “Xiphias gladius”, i.e. the “gladiator” of the seas, is the subject of many myths and numerous true stories. There is hardly a fish that can be so aggressive — there are documented reports of the “gladiator” attacking diving boats and even wedging its long sword into the boat’s structure. Others say that he pierced the hulls of smaller fishing boats with his sword. In any case, the fight with a swordfish is a great challenge for anglers and tackle and can sometimes take several hours. One of the absolute hotspots for the “broadbill” (as it is called in English) is the north of New Zealand. Here, the “drop offs”, i.e. the continental slopes, are fished during the day at a depth of 500-600 meters with natural bait. A — probably unique — fishing technique, in which even floats (!!) are used, was developed here specifically for fishing for swordfish. Fish in the 100-200 pound class are normal. But swordfish can also reach “grander” sizes (i.e. over 1000 pounds).