CHAPTER VII 



THE TAKING OF BIG GAME FISHES 



THERE is one stage in the playing of large 

 game fishes when the surest angler, while 

 putting on a bold front, feels himself giving 

 way before a relentless foe, supposed to be a victim 

 to his skill. As I recall the really large fishes which 

 I have taken with rod and reel, harpoon, or cast-line, 

 I am inclined to confess the truth that I was often the 

 one actually caught, and that the game was but add- 

 ing to the under-the-sea gayety of the nations by 

 playing me. 



The tarpon, tuna, black grouper, black sea bass, 

 amber jack, Bahamian barracuda, and others are the 

 big game of the sea, and when taken in a thoroughly 

 sportsmanlike manner they afford the excitement of 

 the tiger or lion hunt, and often much danger. Hunt- 

 ing big game, or catching big fish is strenuous sport, 

 and not every sportsman is fond of it. I fancy a 

 man must be born to it. Those who have a pen- 

 chant for hard riding after the hounds, who feel 

 inspired by a wild race across country, where the 

 chances of neck-breaking are in one's favor, who feel 

 actual enjoyment in the knowledge that a tiger may 



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