IGFA Theater Presents: C. Alma Baker
Born in New Zealand in 1857, Charles Alma Baker spent much of his life in Malaya where he owned tin mines and rubber plantations. He had always enjoyed fishing on his British estate and Malaya’s Kinta River. But on a voyage from Sydney to London in 1919, Baker visited the Tuna Club on Catalina Island. He was captivated by the abundance of tuna, broadbill and marlin, and it was here he became a devotee of big-game fishing. Back in New Zealand, recreational angling was in its infancy, for it wasn’t until 1915 that the first striped marlin had been caught on rod and reel. Soon after World War I, however, anglers began spending time and money looking for the best fishing grounds. These early sportsmen caught fish the hard way, with long and delicate rods, small reels mounted below the rods, lines that broke at 60 pounds, and no fishing harnesses. C. Alma Baker was one of these pioneers, and his visit to the Bay of Islands in April 1923 changed New Zealand game fishing. Introducing Catalina techniques and a shorter rod with a top-mounted reel, Baker caught an impressive number of fish, and spoke enthusiastically to all about the tourism potential of this “regal sport”. The idea that the area could become a sportfishing mecca caught on quickly and the country’s Tourist and Publicity Department began working on promoting the opportunities. But more was needed. At the Tuna Club Baker had become friendly with Zane Grey. He knew Grey’s reputation, and also knew he was the perfect person to bring recognition to New Zealand. Grey was intrigued by Baker’s glowing accounts of this new fishing world, and by his invitation to visit. In January 1926 Grey arrived with a secretary, cameraman, and three truckloads of gear, planning to record his fishing experiences in writing and on film. By the end of the visit, Zane Grey and hi s captain Laurie Mitchell had left their mark, setting marlin records, introducing new techniques, and offending the locals with criticisms of their methods. Tales of the Angler’s Eldorado New Zealand was published later that year. Filled with Grey’s prose and exciting action photos, it immediately created the hoped-for influx of international fishermen to the area. For 20 years Baker fished on the launch Reliance with Capt. Stan Adamson. A month after his 80 th birthday, Baker finally realized his lifelong dream of catching a big fish when he landed an 850 lb black marlin, largest of the 1937 season and third heaviest ever caught at the Bay of Islands. Elated, Baker wrote a Rough Guide to New Zealand Big Game Fishing which was featured in the 1937 Hardy Brother s catalog. Filled with his achievements and theories about technique and tackle, it was the pinnacle of Baker’s angling career. In 1938 he privately reissued, in book form, his “rough guide for the uninitiated to these renowned fishing waters”. Fascinated by the design and manufacture of fishing tackle, Baker worked together with Hardy on a number of projects. His most significant contribution was the Alma, the first two-speed reel, which was launched in 1925 in a 4- ¾” size. Over the next few years additional sizes were added but the market for the reel remained small and specialized, and the last of 96 Alma reels was produced in 1936. C. Alma Baker was quiet and reserved. Though he was private about his achievements, he was truly proud of receiving the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for raising funds to buy aircraft during the First World War. He also contributed to the World War II effort, personally financing six aircraft. And he was deeply dedicated to game fishing. Baker recognized the enormous potential of the sport and brought Zane Grey to New Zealand, generating international attention and creating a new tourist industry. He was a vice president of the Bay of Islands Swordfish and Mako Shark Club and a life member of the Tuna Club. His Rough Guide remains highly sought-after, and his two-speed Alma reel continues to be prized by collectors. For these lasting contributions to recreational angling, Charles Alma Baker is celebrated.
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