THE GAME FISHES OF THE WOELD 



■see countless spirit-crabs scurrying along, and everywhere the 

 sand was moviag noiselessly up into the lair of the dunes 

 which took on strange shapes and forms. Along the shore where 

 the moonbeams played was a dark undulating hne of algae, 

 richly coloured sea-fans, gorgonias, shells of many sorts, and the 

 filmy satin-Uke shapes of the fairy PhysaUa or Portuguese man- 

 of-war. Mingled with all these were countless bits of sponge- 

 Uke pumice thrown up by Mont Pel^e at the destruction of 

 Martinique. 



Offshore, countless tarpon lay, and prowling about the schools 

 "were big sharks, the only living creatures that will eat tarpon or 

 <;an capture one. 



In Florida the conditions differ. The tarpon is still found in 

 passes, but there are islands covered with thick luxuriant verdure, 

 the mangrove and palm. There are countless strange and 

 beautiful birds, and an abundance of animal life. But, after 

 all, the angler who is really after tarpon has no time to indulge 

 in rapsodies on scenery ; the fine fish will keep him sufficiently 

 occupied. 



The following lists compiled for me by Mr. L. P. Streeter will 

 give some idea of the tarpon angling at Useppa Island : 



UsEPPA Island (Fla.) Tabpon Rbcokd. 



Condensed Statistics from Official List of Rod and Seel Catches by gv,esta 



of Useppa Inn. 



Season of 1902. Prom March 30 to May 30 inclusive. 



Number caught . . . . . . 183 



Number rods to above catch ... 24 



Total weight do. .... 12,138-5 pounds 



Average „ ,,.,.. 66-3 ,, 



Largest ....*.. 178 „ 



Smallest 30 „ 



Season of 1903. Prom March 5 to May 31 inclusive. 



Number caught ...... 338 



Number rods to above catch ... 43 



Total weight do. ... 31,263-5 pounds 



Average „ „ . . . . 92-5 „ 



Largest 177 „ 



Smallest ....... 9 „ 



258 



