METHODS OF TARPON FISHING 



The first tarpon were taken bottom fishing. 

 It was the custom to anchor the boat at some 

 chosen spot that was frequented by the fish and 

 then to chum with pieces of cut mullet. Two 

 hooks baited with the better part of a mullet 

 on each hook were cast out. The angler 

 watched one rod and his guide took charge of 

 the other. 



I always took pains that my rod pointed 

 towards the spot where my bait lay so that 

 when the latter was picked up the line would 

 run free from the reel. The fish was allowed to 

 take fifty feet of line before striking because a 

 tarpon will pick up a bait and move off with 

 it in his mouth before gorging it. 



The theory that loose line must be coiled in 

 the bottom of the boat was for novices that 

 could not pick up a rod without checking the 

 fish. 



Tarpon that have gorged the bait, unless 

 hooked in a vital spot, fight much harder than 

 those that are hooked in the mouth. 



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