THE TARPON 119 



in support of the theory that a tarpon hooks itself when it 

 seizes the crab. I submitted the question to Mr. B. W. Crown- 

 inshield for his opinion. Mr. Crowninshield has had great 

 experience in sea-fishing and his opinion on any question re- 

 lating to the tarpon is well nigh final. He thinks that many 

 tarpon do hook themselves, especially when the crab is used 

 for bait ; but that when cut bait is used the fish usually take 

 it easily and are liable to let go if not struck very quickly. 

 I have tried to drive a hook into the jaw of a living tarpon 

 by striking the fish with standard tackle, but I have never 

 succeeded in doing so. After experimenting, I think the angler 

 will conclude that the fish usually forces in the hook by the 

 snap it makes when the bait is taken. 



In cork fishing, the fish hooks itself without any aid from 

 the angler. This fact is significant. 



Most anglers think it cannot do harm to strike several times 

 by pressing the thumb firmly upon the reel pad and swaging 

 the rod upward with energy and ivithout giving line. If the 

 fish has hooked itself this method, they argue, cannot injure 

 the chances of capture ; on the other hand, if the fish should 

 be struck this has been done. The next act will depend upon 

 circumstances and the tarpon can be depended upon to waste 

 no time in making the next move. It lays out a plan of de- 

 fense at once and the next few moments are ones of great 

 anxiety. Usually under such treatment, the fish will come 

 directly to the surface to leap and to endeavor to shake out 

 the hook. Sometimes this jump is at the conclusion of a short 

 run. More rarely the tarpon seems to scorn to practice such 

 a trick upon the angler and it may never jump. It is fairly 

 safe to act upon the assumption that the fish will jump at 

 once so every attempt should be made to reel in any slack 

 which can be gained. 



On many occasions I have tried a method which is a de- 

 parture from that usually followed. I offer it for what it is 

 worth. While awaiting a strike the reel drag is released with 



