270 Big Game Fishes 



third note he explains that " The above addition 

 was made by a friend in reading over the Ms. 

 Audi alterant par tern I leave it to counterbal- 

 ance my own observation." 



In tarpon angling when there are many boats 

 in a small area there holds an unwritten code of 

 courtesies which, indeed, applies to all fishing, 

 and which may be mentioned. Thus it is the 

 rule not to anchor near another boat unless re- 

 quested. When a fish is hooked, other anglers 

 should give the player the field. When two men 

 are fishing in the same boat the other should reel 

 in at once. To cross the line or foul that of a 

 fellow-angler is a gross discourtesy, and it is 

 equally criminal to talk to a man playing a fish, 

 either to gibe or congratulate. Social amenities 

 find no place at this strenuous moment. It is 

 well not to borrow bait or tackle on the ground, 

 as the average angler will gladly respond, and 

 it has happened that the fishing days of two, 

 instead of one, have been spoiled by the negli- 

 gence of one boatman to secure bait; a boat 

 should not put out without an abundance of bait 

 and a perfect equipment. It need not be said 

 that these suggestions are advanced to a would- 

 be angler or novice. Nowhere in the world of 



