70 THETARPON 



careful and even winding of the line upon the reel is 

 indispensable to success for if the line fails to render 

 the fish usually breaks off. So watch your reel care- 

 fully. I cannot over-estimate the importance of this 

 suggestion. 



If it is necessary to wear gloves to protect the hands 

 from blistering or sunburn, select the lightest pair pos- 

 sible for delicacy of touch is essential. Usually the 

 bottom is fished, that is to say, the sinker is let down 

 till it reaches the bottom and then the line is reeled up 

 four or five feet. As the depth of water changes the 

 line is given out or taken in accordingly. This requires 

 promptness and alertness on the part of the angler. 

 When the hook catches on the bottom as the boat drifts 

 along three or four instant short sharp jerks will 

 usually disengage it and save not only the time and 

 patience of the angler and his guide but also the pos- 

 sible loss of the tackle. It is difficult to act with the 

 desired promptness when thus entangled, or when the 

 hook is struck by a fish unless the hands instantly tele- 

 graph the tidings to the brain and the muscular reac- 

 tion is prompt. Heavy gloves are, therefore, a serious 

 handicap. 



It is a great convenience to have a mark placed 

 upon the line to indicate roughly the amount which 

 should be paid out. The guide will know the depth of 

 the water to be fished and he will tie a piece of yarn or 

 string onto the line to indicate approximately how 

 much should be paid out. This is well-nigh essential 

 for the beginner, especially in night fishing. It is a 

 great convenience at all times both to the angler and 



