78 THBTARPON 



the rod, for otherwise, it may whip over his body and 

 snap off as the fish struggles. Conditions may be such 

 that it is advisable to tow the fish to the beach and to 

 release the hook after the fish is slid up onto the shore. 

 When a fish is struck the guide usually starts his en- 

 gine at once and moves clear of the fish or other boats 

 near by. It is a good plan to apprise the guide that 

 such action may be necessary by saying " strike" when 

 the fish is felt. 



When two anglers are fishing from the same boat and 

 one of them gets a strike the other immediately reels 

 in, and, if in the stern seat vacates it at once for the 

 occupation of the man with the fish. When a boat 

 nearby has a fish it is the custom to move away as 

 soon as possible unless it is clear there is no interfer- 

 ence. Above all things, be cool and refrain from 

 hurrying; be sportsmanlike and courteous to other 

 anglers and insist that your guide be equally so; re- 

 lease the fish unharmed after the battle is over, save 

 in exceptional cases. The tarpon, fortunately, has no 

 commercial value and no amount of rod fishing can 

 have any effect upon its numbers. If the fish is evi- 

 dently a very heavy one or is desired for mounting or 

 it is one's first fish, there is no reason why it should 

 not be killed. 



Finally, and again, engage a good guide and follow 

 his advice, remembering that he will be an expert and 

 has doubtless captured hundreds of fish to your one. 



The favorite bait on the west coast of Florida in late 

 May and June is the blue crab. The crab does not live 

 long if exposed to the direct rays of the sun. There- 



