Tarpon Quest

Landing the tarpon with a fly rod is an impressive feat in sports fishing. Cole ( Fishing Came First ) had all the right equipment, a first-class guide and plenty of determination, yet the great fish eluded him for several seasons. Tarponstet are abundant in the waters of the Florida Keys (they can be seen from the Overseas Highway), which Cole regards as the most fascinating fishing grounds in the nation. He shows us the world of the Keys and the neighboring Marquesas (south of Key West) as he recalls other, unproductive expeditions and describes other game fish common to the area--permit (the local name for pompano) and barracuda. Readers of the charming, low-key account will celebrate with Cole as he lands his first (small) tarpon. (Apr.)