122 THE TARPON 



line cannot usually be gained by the mere reeling in of the 

 fish but this must be done by the operation known as "pump- 

 ing". The angler lifts the line till the rod is at an angle of 

 say 75° or 80° and then lowers the tip evenly toward the 

 water, quickly reeling meanwhile. Several feet of line are 

 gained by each operation. This is repeated whenever oppor- 

 tunity offers for it is an axiom among anglers that the fish 

 should be fought without respite till the issue of the battle. 

 But the fish should not be hurried by too heav}' or jerky 

 pumping. There is no occasion to be alarmed over the tem- 

 porary loss of a bit of line for the tarpon will not run far 

 under a moderate strain. But be prompt to gain line when 

 opportunity offers, bearing in mind that one should keep a 

 constant but moderate strain on the fish till the end. Always 

 try to face the fish. If the presence of a shark is perceived 

 release the drag and give your fish all the line it needs and 

 you may save it. The fish is usually lost by hurrying its cap- 

 ture. There is an almost irresistible impulse to reduce any 

 fish to possession and in obeying it the angler pumps and 

 pulls till something gives way or the hook pulls out. Many 

 women are successful tarpon anglers because they handle the 

 fish gently and have quick wit to forestall its actions. Then, 

 too, some fish, when skillfully captured, are found to have the 

 hook insecurely imbedded and clumsiness or haste would sure- 

 ly have lost them. Too heavy pulling causes the hook to make a 

 large hole where it pierces the fish's jaw and it is apt to 

 drop out when the fish jumps or gets a little slack line, A 

 tarpon rarely temporizes. It is direct and forceful in all its 

 actions, and like a prudent general, frequently changes its 

 plan of attack. It fights every battle out to a finish and when 

 you feel like resting, it, too, is snatching a few moments 

 needed rest. So keep at it. When a strain is put on the line 

 the fish is apt to jump and every jump draws heavily on its 

 strength. But be careful to gain a moderate strain on the 

 line when you see it coming to the surface ; for that betokens 



