TARPON FISHING. 79 
Perhaps twenty minutes had passed when again something took 
the bait and moved slowly away with it. I struck, hard, and as I 
did so a huge tarpon hurled himself twice out of the water not 
twenty yards from the boat, and immediately started off across the 
bay. Holding the rod high up, I gave it all the strain I dared; but 
despite it all, the splendid 
fish towed us fully half a mile 
before showing any signs of 
fatigue. Slowly and gently 
I ‘*reeled him in,” as the 
strain relaxed, until we could : 
see him not more than ten 
feet from us. Gradually I ce 
drew him nearer and nearer, 
while Will leaned over the ag 
side of the boat, holding in 
his hand a huge gaff, which, 
the next moment, was fast- 
ened in the side of the tarpon. SEES oESREON: 
A short struggle and a large specimen of the most magnificent game 
fish in the world lay on the bottom of the boat, glittering brilliantly 
in the sunlight, one sparkle of silver, blue, and gold. 
As I wished to preserve the skin and the day was warm, Will 
advised returning home at once; so we turned the boat and rowed 
back, having had sport enough for one day. Although larger fish 
are often caught, my first tarpon proved a good one, measuring six 
_ feet one inch in length, and weighing 120% pounds. 
