THE BOOK OF THE PIKE 



of the outfit, and will let that stand, but the line must 

 be strong also. I use a rather heavy enameled line, 

 such as is employed for salmon fishing, and have yet 

 to find cause for complaint. Undoubtedly one could 

 use an ordinary trout line (I once played and landed 

 a two-pound black bass on an ordinary No. 60 cotton 

 thread; nevertheless I am not recommending such 

 thread for bass fishing), but it would be very unwise 

 to run the risks. At least 100 yards of either size D 

 or E should be about right. One could use the regular 

 silk casting line, but it does not lend itself so admirably 

 to fly-casting, and remember, fly-fishing for great pike 

 is fly-casting, though the tackle may seem somewhat 

 exaggerated to a user of 2j^-ounce trout rods. 



In the matter of a reel I am certain that as a rule I 

 would select a double multiplier, though I have used 

 large single-actions with supreme satisfaction. How- 

 ever, instant control of the line is a matter of para- 

 mount importance, and I find that that can be most 

 happily secured by using a regulation multiplying 

 reel. Of course in employing such a reel the off-set 

 handle will bother to a certain extent, and the angler 

 who cannot suffer a tangled reel handle with equa- 

 nimity is strongly urged to provide himself with a 

 regular single-action salmon winch. The reel should 

 be wide of barrel and easy running, for the fish should 

 be played from the reel, once it is hooked. Do not 

 attempt to play the fish with the hand and with up- 

 heaped line on the bottom of the boat. Confusion and 

 disaster are almost certain to result. 



When it comes to the selection of the fly, there is a 

 wide field for choice. Of course, sometimes the large 

 bass flies will prove availing, but they are most de- 



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