SEA FISHING 



caught on the rod, and it always appears to be either right in the 

 Gulf Stream, or else in the strip of water, three miles in width, between 

 the Stream and the shore. ... I caught a fine amberjack of forty-two 

 pounds near Jewfish Creek, identical, I believe, with the Gatalina 

 yellowtail. Bonefish (not the leaping ladyfish) are much sought 

 after among the Keys. They give pretty sport, and have become 

 quite a cult among the veterans. The bonefish go on to the shallows 

 to feed in about two feet of water. They are easily seen on these grounds 

 for the dorsal fin and part of the tail are out of water, and they 

 rove about in bands of six or eight, pausing now and then to forage 

 among the weeds. The method of fishing is as follows. A flat-bot- 

 tomed boat is poled as quietly as possible to the shallows and moored 

 there. The bait is a hermit-crab, and an old trout rod with light 

 tackle serves the purpose. It is necessary to cast at least twenty yards. 

 Presently there is a swirl. This means that one of the little bands are 

 hovering round the bait. The angler now tightens the line — it is dan- 

 gerous to strike — and, with a magnificent dash, one of the bonefish 

 has taken the hook and is making a frantic effort to reach the deep 

 water, tearing yards of line off the reel and putting up a long fight. 

 Even at the end, the last rush when the fish is alongside often proves 

 fatal to success. I understand that, when hooked in deep water, the 

 bonefish gives indifferent sport. It is a beautiful fish, obviously built 

 for speed, and averaging a weight of six pounds. A ten-pounder 

 would be unusual. It is found round Miami and in Biscayne Bay 

 and the Keys, and, as hermit crabs are less plentiful than could 

 be wished, there is at times a corner in bait. There has been some 

 confusion between this species and the leaping ladyfish of the 

 west coast, but they are quite distinct. Tarpon were very late this 

 year. I got only seven (heaviest 128 pounds) and had to work hard 

 for them." 

 Such, then, is the sport which Florida offers to the angler in the sweet 

 of the year. The climate is nearly perfection morning and evening, though 

 a little trying to sensitive complexions during the heat of the day. As 

 a change from fishing, or when the weather is too rough even in the back- 

 waters, an alligator hunt may be organized, though the chances of catch- 

 ing a large specimen are nowadays remote. The tourist must, therefore, 

 be satisfied with the amusement of capturing little ones and with the 

 novel experience of hearing his guide imitate the alligator's grunt in 



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