Chapter 21 of 23
A Final Tarpon Entry
Captain Homer's 65-inch tarpon doesn't beat Rose's. Matt hides Snapper's share of the reward in a Dorito bag. At Doc's house Matt explains what 'the Big One' really means and offers Doc his reward for surgery — then Rose walks in with the trophy, having already done the same.
Where we are
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Port of the Everglades Lodge (tournament) — The tournament weigh-in. Appears fictionalized; the real Port of the Islands marina is nearby. Confirm with the author. -
Doc's house — Rundown house down a dirt road on Chokoloskee. Fictional. -
Chokoloskee Island — Home base. Seminole for 'Old House.' Dan's cottage, the grocery store, the marina.
“Not a kid anymore though are ya? You're a good man... and your father would be as proud of you as I am.”— Uncle Dan
“You can't just catch the big one, you have to earn the big one. And you can't just do it by yourself.”— Matt
Fish in this chapter
Crew in this chapter
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Matthew 'Matt' Creek protagonist Ch. 1 -
Rose Matt's oldest friend Ch. 1 -
Doc Brown Old fishing guide and retired Navy physician Ch. 16 -
Marge Doc's daughter, Rose's mother Ch. 17 -
Daniel Walter Panther Jr. ('Uncle Dan') Matt's uncle, charter captain Ch. 1 -
Snapper Dan's neighbor, retired guide Ch. 2 -
Captain Homer Local legend Ch. 21 -
Lobster Marge's red tabby cat Ch. 21
Boats in this chapter
Matt’s list
- Catch the BIG ONE — checked off this chapter
All chapters: Ch. 1Ch. 2Ch. 3Ch. 4Ch. 5Ch. 6Ch. 7Ch. 8Ch. 9Ch. 10Ch. 11Ch. 12Ch. 13Ch. 14Ch. 15Ch. 16Ch. 17Ch. 18Ch. 19Ch. 20Ch. 21Ch. 22Ch. 23