Popular Salt=Water Game Fish 



Regarding hooks, quantity as well as quality 

 is essential, the Van Vleck perhaps being most 

 used, though the O'Shaughnessy 10/0 has its 

 followers. The hook is fastened to a snell of 

 phosphor-bronzed wire five feet in length, divided 

 into three lengths each connected by a 

 swivel. Several dozens of these snells 

 should be provided, costing, complete, fifty cents 

 each. This makes up the tackle. A leather rod 

 rest makes fishing easier work, and can be fastened 

 either to waist or boat seat; without such a con- 

 venience, the fishing, especially when waiting, grill- 

 ing in the heat for a strike, becomes a nuisance. 



The night before fishing the line, if new, should 

 be stretched, and it should be wet on arriving at 

 the grounds, and if the boatman is a man of ex- 

 perience, he will get your reel and lash it tightly 

 to the rod, whether it has a patent fastener or 

 not. 



The pleasure of tarpon fishing to the angler is 



doubled, especially if he be a novice, in securing 



the right kind of a boatman, one with a cheerful, 



yet respectful disposition, above all, one who 



knows his business, and is able, as well as willing to 



show the peculiarities of the ground. For a great 



deal depends on tides, wind, and a knowledge 



of the habits of the mullet. Lastly, but not least, 



he should have a cool head, quick 



Boatman ^J'^' ^^^ deliberate decisive action; in 



short, know thoroughly how the work 



should be done, and be able to direct others, and 



let them do it. When the fishing ground is reached 



39 



