THE TARPON 



139 



the month. The long record kept at Useppa will, I think, cor- 

 roborate these statements. 



I have confined my statements to the methods commonly em- 

 ployed on the West Coast of Florida for I have never fished 





elsewhere. Conditions on the East Coast are somewhat differ- 

 ent but after the fish is hooked the principles here outlined 

 would seem to be applicable. When cut bait is used, Mr. Endi- 

 cott advocates cutting and securing it to the hook as here 

 illustrated. The angler who contemplates fishing on the East 

 Coast should read the books of Endicott and Heilner specified 

 in the bibliography for both of these men are veteran anglers 

 of great experience as well as charming writers. Much has been 

 written about the Panama, Mexican and Texas fishing, some of 

 which will also be found in the bibliography. 



There is no outdoor sport which rewards diligence and 

 patience to a greater extent than tarpon angling. The fish may 

 bite vigorously and almost continuously for a half hour or so, 

 and then refrain from striking for twenty-four hours. Time or 

 tide sometimes fail to affect their actions in this regard. So 

 it behooves the angler to remain on the fishing ground rather 

 than on shore if he wishes to catch the maximum number and 

 not suffer the jibes of his fellow anglers who were fortunate 

 enough to be among those present when fortune smiled. 



