270 Big Game Fishes 
third note he explains that “The above addition 
was made by a friend in reading over the Ms. 
Audi alteram partem—I leave it to counterbal- 
ance my own observation.” 
In tarpon angling when there are many boats 
in a small area there holds an unwritten code of 
courtesies which, indeed, applies to all fishing, 
and which may be mentioned. Thus it is the 
rule not to anchor near another boat unless re- 
quested. When a fish is hooked, other anglers 
should give the player the field. When two men 
are fishing in the same boat the other should reel 
in at once. To cross the line or foul that of a 
fellow-angler is a gross discourtesy, and it is 
equally criminal to talk to a man playing a fish, 
either to gibe or congratulate. Social amenities 
find no place at this strenuous moment. It is 
well not to borrow bait or tackle on the ground, 
as the average angler will gladly respond, and 
it has happened that the fishing days of two, 
instead of one, have been spoiled by the negli- 
gence of one boatman to secure bait; a boat 
should not put out without an abundance of bait 
and a perfect equipment. It need not be said 
that these suggestions are advanced to a would- 
be angler or novice. Nowhere in the world of 
