THE TARPON 



can get it. It takes skill, time, and patience 

 but to me it does not give the satisfaction of 

 being "up against" a big fish. 



If the advocates of light tackle for tarpon 

 would go back to the plain reel instead I can 

 promise them plenty of exercise and entertain- 

 ment. 



I am greatly interested in all fish and have a 

 real affection for the tarpon. He is a gentleman 

 among fishes. He is not in the least afraid of 

 man or boat and when once hooked does not 

 attempt to run away or take advantage of his 

 great strength. 



His one idea is to get rid of the hook which 

 annoys him and he will jump clear of the surface 

 many times and attempt to free himself. If 

 these tactics fail he will then swim close up to 

 the boat, raise himself out of the water and 

 shake his head. It is then that he is usually lost. 



He is the grandest and most beautiful silver 

 fish that swims and he has the best manners of 

 any of the denizens of the deep, for he avoids 

 all snags, stumps, or obstructions in a river 

 when hooked and never takes advantage of the 

 fisherman but fights square. 



I have the greatest admiration for this Silver 

 King of sea fishes. 



