14 Tarpon Fishing in Mexico. 



at the same time raising masses of spray which almost dazzle me 

 with the brilliance of their rainbow. Whew! but what if that thing- 

 should fall from such a height into the boat. It is a very ill wind 

 that blows no one any good, and in that case some of those sharks so 

 busily patrolling the river would quickly be less hungry. Though 

 I have retained possession of my rod, which now however seems 

 much smaller than before, I experience once more the pangs of 

 defeat as I reel in my empty line. Too surprised and excited by 

 the incidents crowded into those five seconds to feel any serious 

 disappointment, I soon have another bait trailing behind the boat. 

 But not for long. It is taken almost immediately. Up shoots 

 another tarpon about 8 feet clear of the water, (II) but this time 

 the hook has apparently struck home, and I have still a strong 

 claim upon him. Away he goes and I put as much drag upon 

 him as I can by squeezing the line between the rod and my 

 handkerchief, I feel myself just about as potent to influence his 

 movements as if I had on the end of my line a thoroughly frightened 

 pig running for his life. However with some difficulty I put the 

 end of the rod between my legs and under the edge of my cushion 

 on which I am sitting, and then get a good grip with both hands 

 above the reel. (Is*.) Still out goes the line, but now the point of 

 junction of line and water is going too ; a sure sign that the fish is 

 about to leap. Up goes the line and there he is 6 feet in the air 

 and 40 or 50 yards from the boat. Now of course some of the line 

 sags in the water (lis), and so its vibrations are absorbed before 

 reaching the rod. Off he goes again, this time towards me, and I 



* See the pocket at the end of the book. A small hand stereoscope can be 

 bought for a few shillings. 



