CHECKMATING A TARPON 



than when picking the Hobbs lock gave him 

 world-wide fame. 



As I followed my big fish the game increased 

 in interest. It was more like chess than fishing. 

 Strength availed little, for the utmost strain I 

 could put on the line through the light rod was 

 no restraint on the powerful tarpon. The crea- 

 ture must be made to tire itself out and do the 

 chief work in its own capture and at the same 

 time be kept within the narrow limits that the 

 shortness of my line established. 



When the reel was nearly empty the line was 

 held lightly, while the captain paddled strongly. 

 As we neared the quarry a quick twitch of the 

 line usually sent the tarpon high in the air and 

 off on another dash. As the reel buzzed the cap- 

 tain invited apoplexy by his efforts, while I en- 

 couraged him to increase them. 



At times the fish seemed to be onto our game 

 and refused to jump when called on. It even 

 became immune to the splash of the paddle and 

 made an ingenious move that threatened check- 

 mate. The tarpon was beside us and the line 

 short when it dove beneath the canoe and swam 

 swiftly away on the other side. There is only 



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