This was finally accomplished, and with considerable splashing a
magnificent bronze-backed channel bass, weighing at least twenty pounds,
was captured.

The boys were delighted. Here was a new treat, indeed. In comparison with
the trout and black bass that had, up to now, constituted their only game
fish, this was tremendous. Still, later on, Frank was satisfied that a
one-pound black bass, held with a light fly-rod, could give more sport to
the square inch than any fish in Florida waters.

There was nothing more doing up to the time they went to bed. In the
morning they found the hook gone from the other line. Frank said they
must have caught a shark, or else another large bass, which, in twisting
about, had broken the tackle. Still, they were not sorry, for they would
not have known what to do with more.

"That's what I call fresh fish," said Bluff, as he sighed because he
could not eat another bite of the tempting dish.

"It does go pretty good," admitted Jerry, with a wink toward Frank.

Sometimes Frank was of the opinion that the name of "Bluff" had been
bestowed on the wrong fellow, for Jerry was inclined to play the part
much more than the one who bore the odium that went with the name.

"Now to get under way and move out on the gulf!" exclaimed Will, in some
excitement, as the breakfast things were put away and the deck cleared
for action.