THE TARPON 121 



during the jump. Don't look for trouble by jerking or yank- 

 ing at the fish, whatever is done. You may have enough be- 

 fore you land it. I am naturally too tense and strike too 

 quickly, sometimes pulling the bait away from the fish. I have 

 cured myself of this habit by holding the rod loosely so that 

 I must gather myself before I can respond to a strike. This 

 seems to give me about the right amount of time to lift the 

 rod with the most effectiveness. But this is a matter of per- 

 sonal temperament and nervous reaction. Everyone has to 

 learn the lesson for himself. 



When the tide is slack it is good practice to fish over the 

 stern, so as to keep the line free from the boat whichever 

 way the fish runs. The tarpon may jump close to the boat 

 on either side, or it may make a short run toward either side 

 and then jump, or it may not do either of these things but 

 may make a long run in any direction. It is extremely difl&cult 

 to give any categorical advice to cover one's action at this 

 uncertain stage of the contest. The tarpon will make the next 

 move without any delay and one can meet the attack only by 

 trying to keep a reasonably taut line, so that when the first 

 jump does come the fish will be held on a moderate strain. 

 If the fish makes a run for some distance from the boat, the 

 task is easier for the slanting line coming to the surface will 

 indicate that the fish is coming up to leap. It is essential to 

 get in all the slack line possible and to hold the fish on a fairly 

 tight line while it is in the air. Many times it will be out of the 

 question to do this. The operation is helped by reeling in any 

 slack line which can be gained and pointing the rod toward the 

 fish so that it may be swayed back when it appears. The fish 

 may disappear and the line may feel dead and lifeless. Don't 

 despair but reel hard for the fish may still be there. It may be 

 running towards you. The angler will utilize the first oppor- 

 tunity that presents itself to insert the butt of the rod into the 

 socket on the upper side of his seat. The use of this device 

 helps enormously in the capture of the fish. In tarpon fishing 



