PREFACE 



SIX YEARS have passed since the publication of the third 

 edition of this book. Some of the material gathered sub- 

 sequent to that time has been incorporated in the text 

 which has been revised and extended. A new chapter on beach 

 angling has been added. 



The tarpon rarely displays any spirit of co-operation with 

 the carefully laid plans of the angler. It is both versatile and 

 inconsequent in its behavior. As a physician gains in expe- 

 rience, he is apt to lose his early confidence in the potency of 

 the remedies he prescribes. So it is with the tarpon angler; 

 and although I suggest certain methods to follow, I have lost 

 far too many fish to assert any claim to infallibility. Yet there 

 are some principles that apply wherever the fish are found 

 and I have tried to set them forth. The angler must rely upon 

 his own judgment and follow the methods which prove to be 

 successful and suited to his temperament. After all, the re- 

 mark of that wise old Roman, Publius Syrus, is applicable to 

 any sort of angling: "Practice is the best instructor." 



I am grateful for the friendships which this little book has 

 created and confirmed. No attempt has been made to interest 

 the general reader. It has been prepared for the use of an- 

 glers who are interested in the life history and habits of the 

 fish, the methods employed in its capture, the record catches 

 in weight and numbers and similar data commonly discussed 

 among anglers and guides while awaiting a strike. The life 

 history of the fish remains unknown although progress has 

 been made toward its solution. Its breeding habits are still a 

 mystery. I shall be grateful if fellow anglers will advise me 

 of any interesting facts which may come under their personal 

 observation. 



