The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club
 

The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club has clubhouses overlooking the water in both Paihia and Russell. Both have bar and meal facilities as well as excellent displays of historic fishing photographs, tackle and memorabilia. The B.O.I. Swordfish Club is a founding member of the N.Z. Sport Fishing Council Inc. and is affiliated to I.G.F.A., NZ Chartered Clubs, The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club and the Opua Cruising Club. Members of all affiliated clubs are most welcome to enjoy the Clubs facilities when visiting the area. 

http://www.swordfish.co.nz

History

The history of the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club goes back to 1918 with the founding of the Bay of Islands Kingfish Club. In 1924 the Kingfish Club was disbanded and the remaining members formed the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club

During this time Zane Grey the American writer and fisherman came to the Bay of Islands and made it famous around the world with his book 'The Anglers El Dorado'

The original boards used to record catches from 1925 to 1930 were found and restored and are now on display in the Russell Clubhouse, Zane Grey's name can be see against many of the catches.

Around 1953 the name was changed again to the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, the name under which the Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1999.

The club is a founding member of New Zealand Sport Fishing being one of five visionary clubs.

The history of the Club, its anglers, boats and boatmen is almost the history of game fishing in New Zealand, from its first location on the wharf at Russell to now with Clubhouses in both Russell and Paihia. The many photos, trophies, mounts, rods and reels on display at both clubhouses provides an interesting viewing for both anglers and anyone interested in the art of fishing and local history.

No story of fishing in the Bay is complete without the history of the boats. On the walls of the Clubhouse are examples of the evolution of 'game boats' over the years.

Contact details

The Bay of Islands Swordfish (Inc)
Clubrooms in The Strand, Russell,
and at Marsden Road, Paihia,
New Zealand
Phone:64-9-403-7857 Fax:64-9-403-7847
Email:- swordfish@xtra.co.nz

BAY OF ISLANDS SWORDFISH CLUB TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

Rock Hopper - Russell - Saturday 6th October & Sunday 7th October 2012

Grid Map Auction - Paihia - Friday 5th October 2012

Blue Heelers - Paihia - Monday 12th November to Wednesday 14th November 2012

Ice Breaker - Paihia - Saturday 1st December & Sunday 2nd December

Juniors - Paihia - Saturday 12th January & Sunday 13th January 2013

In case of Bad weather - Satruday &* Sunday 19th & 20th January 2013

Eldorado - Russell - Wednesday 23rd January to Saturday 27th January 2013

Reel Ladies - Paihia - Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th February 2013

Nationals - Russell - Saturday 16th February to Saturday 23rd February 2013

Small Boats - Paihia - Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th February 2013

Zane Grey - Russell - Wednesday 6th March to Saturday 9th March 2013

Powerbase - Paihia - Thursday 14th & Friday 15th March 2013

Truckers & Loggers - Paihia - Thursday 21st March to Saturday 23rd March 2013

Farmers - Paihia - Friday 29th & Saturday 30th March 2013

Fire Brigade - Russell - Friday 12th & Saturday 13th April 2013

International Yellowtail - Russell - Sunday 9th June to Saturday 15th June 2013

Snapper, Hapuka, Pig - Paihia - Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September 2013

Rock Hopper - Russell - Saturday 5th october & Sunday 6th October 2013