On February 2, 1933, Roy Smith, fishing off Montague Island on the south coast of New South Wales, landed a black marlin weighing 262 pounds. This was actually the first marlin (referred to then as swordfish) to be caught with rod and line in Australian waters. 

February 1933, saw Dr. Little and myself camped on Montague Island, and our first day out was crowned with success. We were drifting about a quarter of a mile from the north-west end of the island (our boat didn't have swivel chairs the, so we could not do much trolling), when at about 4p.m I felt a slight tug at my line. Being new to the ways of the swordfish then, I nominated a small shark. Very quietly about 100 yards of line were run out, then I struck, and with beginners luck, got the hook in the side of his mouth. 

Quite quietly the line started to lift and then the next minute he came with a terrific leap. "I thought these fish were fighters - this one is just a great bag of guts,” ran through my mind. Next minute I was completely disillusioned as another two-hundred odd yards of line were stripped off the reel in what seemed like the fraction of a second. 

Then out he came again about 300 yards away - walking on his trail and jerking his head from side to side in a vain endeavour to throw the hook. 

The next forty-five minutes gave me all the fight I'd been looking for - drive after drive and eight terrific jumps clean out of water. The colouring of the marlin is wonderful in life - very different from what it becomes shortly after death, and a more thrilling sight than one leaping clear of the water, with the sun glistening on his gleaming wet body, would be hard to imagine. Then down he sounded, and fifteen minutes of hard pumping was required before he appeared floating, belly upwards, apparently he was quite dead. 

One last pump and snap went the rod. However, the trace was in Bill Warn's hands, and a couple of quick thrusts with our primitive gaff relived any further anxiety. 

In all, the fight lasted 65 minutes, and believe me, the first 40 were hectic. Unfortunately, we couldn't weigh him until eighteen hours after his sad demise, but even then he tipped the steelyards at 262lb. 

That is roughly how the first marlin was caught. 

(Story as told by Roy Smith of Yass N.S.W. in an extract from "Fish and Fisheries of Australia" by T.C. Roughley.)

For over forty years the marlin's head has been a feature in the Marlin Bar of the Clubhouse Hotel, Yass. 

Our celebrated Queer Eye-renovated Bistro dining space makes for the ultimate retreat if you’re just staying for the night and would like somewhere chic-yet-casual to sit down and have a bite to eat. You’ll have the choice of succulent steaks, delicious seafood as well as barista-made coffee and dessert from the restaurant menu. We also have Gluten Free and vegetarian options available as well.

If you’re visiting us in the evening and more inclined to have some fun, soak up the atmosphere and socialise with friends or our cheery locals, then you’re in the right place. You’ll find Pinball machines and a great pool table in our games room, along with large screen TVs to keep a close eye on the football.

Our newly refurbished bar continues the fun and offers a Choice of 16 Beers on tap and we also have a gluten free beer Available . You can also make a few bets at the TAB, just be sure to gamble responsibly. If you've found yourself in the beer garden, you might just have to sit down with a few friends and take in the local banter or listen to an occasional live local artist.

We also offer a meeting room for both private and business functions whether you’re staying at the hotel or not. You’ll find everything you need here to foster business relationships or host a fabulous private event. 

For travellers, tourists and locals, The Clubhouse Hotel in Yass is here to make your time in our great town unforgettable. 

Give us a call and make a dinner reservation or book a room with us today.