The Leaping Tuna 77 



on the gunwale pressed it down to the water's 

 edge and cleverly slid the quivering, struggling 

 tuna into the boat, where it pounded the planking 

 with such vigorous blows that the small craft 

 trembled from stem to stern. As its fine propor- 

 tions were revealed, I realized that we had landed 

 the largest tuna ever taken with a, rod. Its 

 actual weight was about one hundred and eighty- 

 seven pounds; its scale record weight on shore 

 after bleeding was one hundred and eighty-three 

 pounds ; its length was six feet four inches. 

 This catch suggested the Tuna Club, and for two 

 years this fish was the record catch of this organi- 

 zation. I have taken a number of tunas since, 

 and have seen a large number caught, but have 

 never known a fish that so thoroughly exemplified 

 the word "game"; and in justice to this splendid 

 fish which is now in the possession of a Chicago 

 angler, I must confess that a few moments more 

 would have placed me hors de combat. 



For staying qualities and hard fighting the 

 tuna in its best condition excels any game fish 

 I have taken, and one secret of success is to 

 fight it continuously without stopping, as when 

 the angler is resting the fish is also recuperating. 

 So fiercely do certain tunas fight that I have 



