76 HUNTING AND FISHING IN FLORIDA. 
Will cut up small pieces of mullet and threw them over the water in 
different directions, while I anxiously watched the line. Five min- 
utes passed, ten minutes — suddenly my line began to run from the 
reel with a strong, steady movement. 
«« Steady,” cried Will; ‘‘ give him time to get the bait down his 
throat. Don’t strike too quick. Now give it to him. Vow! 
Now!” 
Holding the rod firmly with both hands, I checked the reel and 
struck hard, so hard that the stout rod bent with the strain, and 
TARPON. 
instantly, with a tremendous rush, a huge silver, gleaming monster 
flung himself completely out of the water, shaking his head 
savagely. Down he came in a splash of white foam, and it required 
no warning cry from Will to make me brace myself for the rush 
