128 THE TARPON 



better, for many are lost by the line being chafed off by rocks 

 when the fish changes direction and pulls the line over the 

 bottom. As a general rule, the shorter the line the fish is played 

 on the better the chances of its capture. A quiet sea simplifies 

 the task. 



As I write these lines I am reminded of a remark made by 

 that veteran angler, Lord Grey, in his classic book on Fly- 

 Fishing : 



' ' There is only one theory about angling in which I have 

 perfect confidence, and that is that the two words, least 

 appropriate to any statement about it, are the words 

 'Always' and 'Never.' Theories, rules, creeds and hy- 

 potheses are constantly forming in the angler's mind. 

 Trout seem to make it their object to suggest these only 

 to upset and destroy them. ' ' 



This is equally true of the tarpon. 



The same general principles apply in still fishing. The boat 

 is anchored near a likely spot. Twenty or thirty feet of line is 

 unreeled and neatly coiled after the bait, usually a fillet of a 

 mullet, is cast into the chosen water. If good fortune attends 

 upon you the line will likely run out two or three feet, stop 

 a few seconds and then run out again. It may go with a rush. 

 You take up your rod, being careful not to interfere with the 

 coiled line. When this is all rendered strike several times to 

 set the hook in the throat for the fish has gorged the bait. 

 The guide will up anchor and man the oars or the engine, so 

 as to keep the stern toward the fish or to follow it. When the 

 fish is hooked it is played as has been described. Tarpon are 

 also caught by trolling with a Wilson spoon, mullet or other 

 lure. This fishing requires no particular comment. 



In still fishing crabs are very apt to wound the line so it 

 must be frequently examined, and sharks and other vermin 

 give you much trouble. 



It is unprofitable to dwell upon the disasters which may 

 befall the angler during the struggle. The rod or reel may fail ; 



