4. As Skink and Decker sit in their boat waiting for the cheating fishermen to retrieve the marked fish, what is it about Skink that reminds Decker of someone?

5. As Skink and Decker sit in their boat waiting for the cheating fishermen to retrieve the marked fish, Decker asks if Skink is wanted for something. How does Skink respond?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the local pathologist who examines Bobby Clinch's body not do a thorough autopsy?

2. What does Dennis Gault hope to gain by pulling out of the next few fishing tournaments?

3. After Skink releases all but two of the bass that were stashed in fish cages the night before the bass tournament in New Orleans, Skink clips the first two spines on the dorsal fins of the remaining two bass. Why?

4. As Tile, Decker, and Skink are driving away from the slough after finding Pickney's body, why does Tile have Decker and Skink duck down when an oncoming car gets close?

5. Decker realizes that he's met Lanie Gault before Harney. Where did Decker originally meet Lanie Gault?

6. Describe Clinton Tyree's political ideology during his run for office in the 1970s.

7. Why does the vice president of the Outdoor Christian Network not like the name Lunker Lakes for the community development?

8. When Catherine visits Decker at his trailer, she asks Decker what he plans to do with the money he'll get from investigating the cheating case at the tournament. What does Decker tell her?

9. Why does Ott Pickney become the Davey Dillo mascot for the high school?

10. Why does no one notice Skink when he sees Bobby Clinch on the day that Bobby dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of loyalty is evident throughout the novel. Dennis Gault's loyalties, for instance, lie with himself and he turns on anyone who tries to get in his way. Discuss how the theme of loyalty is portrayed through the eyes of R.J. Decker, Clinton Tyree, Jim Tile, Charles Weeb, and Catherine. Support your observations.

Essay Topic 2

The Reverend Charles Weeb is a man who is supremely confident in his ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Weeb helped by his utter confidence? How is Weeb hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.