The Marlin Takes the Bait

One of the green sticks dips sharply. Santiago feels a light, tentative pull on the line, then a heavier weight. He knows a marlin is eating the sardines covering the hook. The fish takes the bait sideways in its mouth and moves off with it. Santiago lets the line run through his fingers, then strikes hard with both hands. The fish does not jump but begins to swim steadily, towing the skiff. The old man realizes he has hooked an enormous fish, bigger than any he has ever seen.