FISHING THE PACIFIC 



Frankly I don't think much of the 9/0 reel. It is actually 

 only good for 15 -thread work and doesn't take enough 24- 

 thread to really do a job. Also, with 24-thread it does not 

 recover line rapidly enough. Even if you don't need a great 

 length of line when the boat is being handled correctly— as it 

 usually is these days— it is always wise to have that extra little 

 bit for unforeseen emergencies such as kelp, floating wreck- 

 age or driftwood, a tug with a tow, a ship, or even an attack 

 from a shark. I consider the smaller size Vom Hofe's— par- 

 ticularly the 6/0— unbeatable. I have owned one 6/0 for 

 twenty-six years and my 4/0 for thirty-one years, and they 

 still give excellent service. 



The Fin-Nor reel is very strongly made and their 15/0 

 corresponds to a Vom Hofe 14/0. They have a beautiful reel 

 seat and their system of counterbracing is the best in the 

 market. Some of them come equipped with a low-gear fea- 

 ture in which I see no advantage. If the angler cannot raise 

 the fish with the high-gear ratio he shouldn't be out in the 

 boat, so there is no reason for him to have the other gear. The 

 Fin-Nor reel, changed frequently in design and model, has 

 now finally been perfected and will, I believe, be standard- 

 ized from here on. I have found that the Fin-Nor is more 

 difficult to reel than the Vom Hofe and Penn because you 

 cannot spin it as favorably, but it is a fine big game reel of 

 today. However, it costs $595 compared with the $525 for 

 the Vom Hofe 12/0, now the Zwarg, or $80 for a Penn. 

 The Fin-Nor was the first reel to be manufactured with the 

 egg-shaped handle, which is certainly easier on the angler's 

 hands and wrists. It is a great novice's or beginner's reel. 



Fortunately the cradle reel is practically obsolete. I never 



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