Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-08-18
SPORT AT AVALON.
Catalina shark FishiBg-Uapsurs
of n Big mmer-Head-Tow-
ing -Four Beats-Exciting Spers,
Etc.-Ffne fishing, Etc.-Axriv-
ais at the Metropole, Etc.

|, Etc.-Ffne fishing, Esc.-Axriv-
ais at the Metropole, Etc.
Co, respondence of the HERALD
AVALON, August Is, 1889.
| Yesterday was probably the most ex-
citing day of the season at Avalon, and
the Hotel Metropole, the tents and cot
tages were for while deserted, the pop
ulation being crowded on the wharf to
watch a fight between about ten boats
and one big shark.
The big fellow had been seen sailing
about the bay for some time, and grad
ually one boat after another put out, un-
til ten or more, with at least twenty men,
armed with hsrpoons and rifles, were
following it up. The shark paid not tho
slightest attention to them, and was,
to all intents and purposes, repeatedly
shot by Mr.. Metcalf, of Los Angeles, and
once harpooned by DR.. Truesdell. II
sailed around amoDg it's enemies with
the big dorsal fin out Of water, creating
great excitement. Finally q boat CON-
tanning some guests of the Metropole
came in. They had been fishing all the
morning, and had about thirty pounds Of
fine fish hanging astern. The oarsman
stopped . moment to see the sport,
lowed by at least ten boats, made rush
for those fish. The annoyed fisherman,
and perhaps he was scared ;" struck at
the big fish with his oar, but all to no
purpose. In circle Of the yelling fish
ermen and flying bullets from rifles, the
shark grabbed the entire catch and
made off amid cheers from the crowd ON
the dock.
At this moment @. F. Holder and 81.
II. Suesserott, of Pasadena, joined the
feet. They had been shark fishing out
eide the harbor, and thinking they would
catch it, followed along with two other
boats towards the point this side Of
Pebble beach. Here the shark, or
another one, appeared just off the har-
Dor, about in front Of the hotel, perhaps
mile out. The boat was soon within
hundred yards of the fish, ami as it came
near the bait was thrown in front of it,
la piece of wood having been previously
attached, so that the hook hung three
feet below the surface. The shark inn
ment the water boiled about it; then il
began to swim about the bait in circles.
The line was Stacked out, and the boat
gradually pulled around the shark and
bait, which foated stationary. These
tactics were successful, as soon the float
disappeared, and after giving some slack,
Mr.. Holder jerked the hook into the
fish, and the fun commenced. The shark
Immediately sounded, going to the
bottom with such rush that
the line was jerked over the side and the
boat almost upset. Plenty of line was
given, though all the time the boat was
whirling along like steamer. For some
time it was impossible to stop the fab,
and seeing that they would have hard
work in getting it in, the other boats
we're hailed. and finally, after hard row.
ing, caught up and fastened on, Then
DR.. Truesdell joined and the shark for a
while hauled four boats out to ses. The
struggles OF the fish showed it, strength.
It made fierce rushes from sio TO side,
now rolling over and over, hauling and
Jerking, requiring the most careful atten-
ton to prevent its breaking the rope. It
was taken in when slack could be had /,
the two men hauling in quickly, then
paving out, working in this way until
they were worn out and the shark gave
up its fierce rushes. Then when near
the boat, the victorious procession
rowed slowly in amid great
shouting and cheering. 1t took
nearly three quarters of an hour to get
the game on the beach when near there
it made another furry. out Mr.. Holder
got its head out of water and held it by
the ugly hammer-like lobes, while Mr..
Suesserott struggled with the dorsal fin
as lever; finally the line was led up the
beach, and amid the shouts of the popu.
lace. the big brute was hauled upon the
sands. Mr.. Holder, who has caught
many man-eaters in the Gulf of Mexico,
stated that the hammer-head pulle d
! almost as hard as twelve-foot shovel
nosed sharks that he had taken; Mr..
wants to gee some one else wrestle with
shark now, though he says he would
not have missed the fun for 500. Tho
shark measured nine feet, and was O.
magnificent specimen of the hammer
head, the head being shaped like Q
hammer, with the eyes on the projec-
tions. A small remora was attached to it.
The full moon somewhatinterfered with
the fi>hing last week, but people are
making up lost time, the guests of the
Metropole bringing in seven Jew fish in
one day, or about 1000 pounds of meat,
not to speak of the yellow tails and other
fish. Mr.. Ford took 290 pound Jew
fish this week, Mr.. Meyer 47-pounder,
, Mr.. Metcalf, MIR. Harris each a large
one, and Mr.. Persell one that weighed
up to 200 pounds.
Half dozen yellow tails we're brought
in yesterday that averaged twenty five
pounds apiece, and these large fish can
be seen chasing flying fish off in front of
the bay at any time.
The concert Friday night at the hotel
and the ball Saturday night were largely
! attended, and during the week some Of
the cottagers gave ball at the pavilion.
l The Aggie, Paloma, Rambler, Wanda,
2 q Bonita, San Diego and Hattie are here,
y and the bay is gay with the lights Of
!: yachts.
) The ball Saturday had the largest
attendance yet. The Metropole waf
e crowded to repletion. and it reminded
: the old-timers of Newport or Bar Har'
= Dor, the yachtsmen adding much to the
It attractiveness of the scene.
There are more people on the islanG
y now than ever before, it ID said, ant
;;ee September will see crush here. Amonl
5. the recent arrivals are Judge Andersen
and family, of Los Angeles; E. r. HUI
u, and family, Pasadena; E. L. Hurlbu
y and wife, Miss Hurlhut, of Ell Retro
1e Clarence Martin, Mrs. Martin, fasa
dena's wealthiest citiz zsn: John w. Van