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A TARPON STORY

by Anonymous

My house is on a dead-end canal where all life ceases to exist except for a lot of tarpon that continues to swim back and forth with their silver backs flashing in the sunlight, as if to say, "Here we are, come get us."

After watching their antics, I decided to see if these fish were serious or just teasers and not takers. I got out my #6 fly rod and put on a 40-lb leader with a small yellow and red streamer fly. I placed my skiff in the area where the tarpon were splashing on the surface and where I thought they were actively feeding.

One fish about 15 pounds came up 30 feet from the boat and I dropped the fly right on its head. The fish turned, took the fly and headed for parts unknown. I leaned back, struck hard and felt the power of the fish going away. Then the tarpon did what it does best-- it came out of the water in a spectacular leap, with gills clapping, water pouring off its sides, and the spray glistening in the sunlight. Once, twice, three times the tarpon came out, then after the third jump, my line went slack and I knew the hook had pulled out. All anglers can understand the frustrated feeling that comes when a tight line suddenly goes slack.

In the next hour the scene was repeated two more times-- the take, the leaping, the sudden rushes and then, "Goodbye, Mr. Tarpon" as it threw the hook.  Tomorrow and the next day, I am going to get out there and see if I can keep one on the line long enough so I can pat the fish on the head before releasing it.

Who was it, who said "Hope springs eternal" must have been a tarpon fisherman. 

TIGHT LINES!

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