CASTING FOR GREAT PIKE 



short butt constmction. Of course in steel the number 

 of joints is not of supreme importance. But — and 

 listen to me — for great pike fishing get a good rod. 



In the matter of reels there is a constantly broaden- 

 ing field for selection, and the angler should remember 

 that there is no single "best" reel for any given fishing, 

 writers to the contrary notwithstanding. Every angler 

 sufficiently experienced to be allowed space in a mag- 

 azine for an expression of preference naturally will 

 have a favorite reel, and for him it is the best. How 

 many quarrels would be obviated if angling writers 

 would learn to say "My favorite reel is" instead of 

 "The proper reel is" or "The best reel is." How many 

 times I have had my anger stirred, unreasonably, I 

 admit, but stirred nevertheless, by some angler whose 

 cocksureness as to what constitutes the best reel or 

 rod is equaled only by the theoretical theologian. 

 Remember, please, that while your favorite reel may 

 be best for you, there is a chance that mine is best 

 for me. 



My favorite reel for great pike casting is a level- 

 winder, and with as large a spool as it is possible to 

 place behind the level-winding device. Such a winch 

 will cost money, but it will last a lifetime if handled 

 properly, carefully cleaned, and sent back to the 

 factory once in a while for readjustment. The ad- 

 vantages of the level-winder, or, as it is sometimes 

 called, self-spooler, are too obvious to require enlarge- 

 ment here. One can bend all his energies to playing 

 the fish; need not keep his eye on the reel-spool all 

 the time, a little matter which bulks large in the day- 

 long enjoyment. Be sure and select a reel large enough 

 to handle with ease at least fifty yeards of line, size E, 



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