THE TARPON 113 



Lord Grey in his book on "Fly Fishing" describes the 

 qualities which a man must possess to become a good angler : 

 '*He must in the first place, have enough strength and 

 aptitude of body to enable him to do a fairly hard day's 

 work and manage both a rod and a fish cleverly, though 

 he will not require the same exceeding quickness of limb, 

 accuracy of eye and strength, which are necessary to the 

 greatest success in the finest games. Quickness and deli- 

 cacy of touch, and a certain power of managing a rod 

 and line, akin to that individual cleverness or genius 

 which men show in the use of tools or instruments with 

 which they are experts, are necessary to success in 

 angling. ' ' 

 Every word of this is applicable to tarpon fishing. One 

 needs delicacy of touch to fish deep and yet keep off the 

 bottom or to respond to a strike. One should be in fair physical 

 condition to withstand the severe strain which a good day's 

 fishing entails. 



It will add to one's pleasure if a few minutes of daily 

 setting-up exercises are taken for a month or so before be- 

 ginning fishing. This is irksome work but it prevents lame- 

 ness and backaches from the exertion incident to pumping 

 the fish. Particular attention should be paid to the back, arm 

 and hand muscles. These suggestions are for those who lead a 

 sedentary life. 



After these very general observations I should say a few 

 words about the guide. He should be carefully selected and 

 his instructions implicitly followed, for, in all probability, he 

 is well versed in the best methods of fishing in local waters. 

 His judgment has been educated by much personal experience 

 and observation. So heed what he says and do not mistrust 

 his ability because other boats happen to capture the most 

 fish. 



Many anglers desire to make their catch in the most sports- 

 manlike way. The guide wishes to run up a high score and to 



