Tarpon Fishing in Florida, 



rod toward the water when the line is taut, 

 and then raising it again with energy, 

 reeling vigorously at the same time. Such 

 a proceeding with a salmon would be apt 

 to snap the gut casting-line, or break the 

 tip ; and I was afraid to indulge in it in 

 this case, not knowing what my tackle 

 would stand. Consequently, my progress 

 in gaining ground on the monster was 

 slow. Nevertheless, after half an hour I 

 enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing him 

 come to the top of the water, putting up 

 his nose at first to blow, which is a custom 

 with them, and at last showing his fin. 

 Within a few minutes more he was fairly 

 on the surface in some distress ; and vig- 

 orous reeling on my part brought him 

 within ten feet of the boat, where he lay 

 rolling his huge tail from side to side, fol- 

 lowing the channel, and dragging us after 

 him. At this time, one used to tarpon- 

 fishing would probably have got him 

 within reach of the gaff, and perhaps I 

 should have succeeded in bringing him 

 within reach of a long handled one; but 

 unfortunately that which my man had 

 with him was fastened to a very short 

 handle. Straining as much as I dared, I 

 could not force him to a spot where Pierce 

 could get a fair thrust at him. His Sil- 



