The Hogfisb 125 



that the line did not touch the water within thirty 

 feet, and slowly rose with a peculiar rhythmical 

 thrill. Forward went the butt and it was slowly 

 lifted ; down dropped the tip, the reel singing of 

 victory, the multiplier eating the line with its 

 marvellous appetite. The fish swam in a semi- 

 circle, bearing off, but losing ground, coming in 

 steadily. It soon recognized the situation and, 

 with a lunge forward, turned and plunged directly 

 outward with an impetus that was irresistible, tak- 

 ing back the hard-earned line. The water was 

 comparatively shallow and there was no deep 

 sulking, and as the fish played midway between 

 bottom and surface the sport was intensified by 

 the insistent surging, the great curves, and the 

 repeated plunging ever outward. Again and 

 again the fish was turned by the pliant rod ; now 

 to the right, leading it into shoal water, again to 

 the left. And now, as its strength was waning, the 

 reel gained, and soon a great red spot against the 

 blue grew larger, and still making a gallant fight, 

 bearing hard against the marvellous thread which 

 held it, the great fish came to gaff and was igno- 

 miniously hauled ashore, its queer little eyes 

 gleaming, its tail beating the water in furious and 

 impotent protest. As it was hauled into a little 



