Giant Fish of Florida 
Look out! Here is a long, dark object coming straight at 
you. Itisashark. Let him have it right in the neck. That 
is better. The harpoon has struck this time. Habet! Only 
the weapon has entered near the tail, not within four feet of 
the spot you thought to reach. You have to keep the rope 
close to the bow, or the brute may capsize you. But the 
harpoon has come away, and you coil the rope for the next 
comer. There is a sting ray right under your boat. No 
calculation necessary this time. You strike it fair in the 
centre. Be careful how you handle it, for should it get its spike 
into you, you will remember the wrenching out of the barbs. 
All ready again! See that dark patch a hundred yards 
ahead! It is a whip ray, weighing perhaps 4oo lb. How 
gracefully it flies beneath the water! You take careful note of 
its bearings, and reckon that it lies about seven feet deep and 
perhaps seventeen feet ahead. This means that the centre of 
the fish is some nine feet nearer to you than appears to be the 
case. Good! You threw too far again, but the ray is struck 
near the head, and you will get some sport anyhow. 
The infuriated fish tows the boat in all directions. It is 
too heavy to haul in, and must be got ashore. This is not very 
difficult, for you let it run free when heading in that direction, 
and check it when making a move for deeper water. At last 
it is beached. There is no occasion to cut out the harpoon, 
for all you need do is to thrust in your finger and press up the 
barb on either side, and it comes away at once. 
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