FISHING THE PACIFIC 



filled in and notarized, but also twenty-five feet of the line 

 for testing— a sane angling rule that I feel all genuine anglers 

 throughout the world will approve. 



There is nothing more important about fishing than the 

 line so, terminating my brief eulogy of the I.G.F.A., I'll pro- 

 ceed to air my views on this aspect of fishing tackle before 

 tackling the others. 



THE LINE 



Though the angler may use the best rod and reel made, he 

 will not catch his fish unless the line stands up. Personally I 

 would never use a line on more than three big fish without 

 turning it— even though it appears to be in good shape. It is 

 always a good idea to cut off the end of the line after every 

 catch. Particular care should be exercised in watching for 

 blood or other stains and any particles of fish slime that may 

 adhere to the line, as well as for rust, weeds or grass. Watch 

 out also for cigarette and pipe ashes. Smoking around a rod 

 and reel in readiness for use should be avoided. It is a careless 

 habit practiced too frequently in Pacific areas as well as other 

 fishing hot spots. There is no excuse for anybody smoking 

 around a reel, and countless lines have been weakened by 

 burns caused by ashes so miniscule as to be indiscernible. 



Be sure that when baits are being trolled from outriggers a 

 watchful eye is kept on the line for any signs of unlaying due 

 to the bait spinning and not swimming well. Fish have fre- 

 quently been lost as a result, and very often when this condi- 

 tion obtains the line manufacturers have been unjustly ac- 

 cused of having marketed a defective product. 



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