142 THE TARPON 



the utmost care not to disturb it. Fifty to seventy-five yards, 

 or so, is not too close if the fish show no signs of alarm. When 

 the course of the school is estimated the speed of the boat is 

 slightly accelerated so as to pass diagonally in front of it and 

 a generous amount of the line is then let out so that, if possible, 

 the school will approach to and pass by on each side of the 

 suspended bait. When the boat has placed the hook in a likely 

 spot it is stopped or slowed down until the school swims by 

 the bait. The fish leading the school are most likely to strike. 

 Care should be taken to pay out plenty of line for if the school 

 either changes direction towards the boat or too much line is 

 allowed it can be reeled in to the desired position as the fish 

 approach. Too short a line cannot be lengthened. The position 

 of the fish can usually be determined by their showing on the 

 surface or by the ])lack spot the mass makes in the water. 



While waiting the butt of the rod should be placed in the rod 

 socket and your right hand should grasp the reel handle, for 

 all line possible should be retrieved when the cork disappears. 

 The line will not run out straight but the winds, currents and 

 the course of the boat when it is laid all contribute to its slack- 

 ness ; and a bow in the line is frequently unavoidable. The cork 

 usually will disappear before the fish is felt so keep a keen eye 

 on it and start reeling as soon as it disappears. 



The fish will frequently run against the line and pull the 

 cork under. When this occurs, you will strike without reaping 

 any reward and probably you will have to set the bait again. 



But let us assume you get a strike and make every effort to 

 respond. Owing to the shallowness of the water the fish will 

 begin to jump repeatedly almost at once. Sometimes it tries to 

 keep with the school. It may run a short distance but it is cer- 

 taiji that you will see a series of acrobatics which will delight 

 your heart and severely test your skill. 



Some anglers advocate feeding line to the fish after it strikes 

 so it may have time to gorge the bait. Others delay getting a 

 strain on the line as long as possible without paying any out. 



