CHAPTER IX 



BIG SHARKS AS GAME 



THE shark is not generally considered a game 

 fish, but rather a loutish scavenger, a bait- 

 taker, and a general nuisance, to be hauled 

 in, strung up, and executed with derision. Yet, 

 despite its reputation, I am inclined to champion 

 this maligned boneless monster, basing its claims to 

 gameness upon many bouts I have had with it, often 

 single-handed, in various waters from Maine to 

 California. 



If one does not undertake shark-fishing in a sports- 

 manlike manner, there is very little sport in it. The 

 typical method of shark-fishing is to bait a large 

 hook with a piece of salt pork, fasten it to a hawser, 

 and, if it is caught out at sea, trice the shark up 

 to the main-yard, all hands laying on to take part in 

 humbling what they term the common enemy. 



So handled, the shark has no opportunity to dis- 

 play its powers. If, however, it is fished for with 

 a recognition of what constitutes fair play, it often 

 becomes a foeman well deserving the attention of 

 the sportsman. 



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