82 THETARPON 



about it, are the words "Always" and "Never." 

 Theories, rules, creeds and hypotheses are con- 

 stantly forming in the angler's mind. Trout 

 seem to make it their object to suggest these only 

 to upset and destroy them." 

 This is equally true of the tarpon. 

 The same general principles apply in still fishing. 

 The boat is anchored near a likely spot. Twenty or 

 thirty feet of line is unreeled and neatly coiled after the 

 bait, usually a part of a mullet, is cast into the chosen 

 water. If good fortune attends upon you the line will 

 likely run out two or three feet, stop a few seconds 

 and then run out again. It may go with a rush. You 

 take up your rod, being careful not to interfere with 

 the coiled line. When this is all rendered strike sev- 

 eral times to set the hook. The guide will up anchor 

 and man the oars or the engine, so as to keep the stern 

 toward the fish or to follow it. When the fish is hooked 

 it is played as has been described. Tarpon are also 

 caught by trolling a Wilson spoon or other lure upon 

 a long line. This fishing requires no particular com- 

 ment. 



In still fishing crabs are very apt to wound the line 

 so it must be frequently examined, and sharks and 

 other vermin give you much trouble. 



It is unprofitable to dwell upon the disasters which 

 may befall the angler during the struggle. The rod or 

 reel may fail; the line may get entangled on the reel, 

 or elsewhere, and snap off; the line may part; the 

 leader may fail by breaking off through kinking; the 

 fish may throw out the hook, or the hook may break or 



