THE BOOK OF THE PIKE 



again, the 'lunge is no more gamy and tackle-testing 

 than the great pike, inch for inch and pound for pound, 

 popular notions to the contrary notwithstanding. If 

 the angler desires a slightly longer rod than the regula- 

 tion casting rod, he can select it, though I would warn 

 him to add inches with circumspection. Personally, I 

 use my short caster for trolling usually and ask nothing 

 better. 



My trolling reel is my favorite make of level-winding 

 winch, than which there is nothing better. The line 

 is a regulation casting line, well cared for and tested 

 each time before setting out upon the water. There 

 might be an added advantage in an unusually large 

 reel, if the angler were fishing water sufficiently clear 

 of weeds and other obstructions to allow an unusually 

 long line. My regular casting reel will spool eighty 

 yards of 28-pound test line with ease, which, in all 

 conscience, is enough. A spoon from 150 to 200 feet 

 distant is far enough away to attract the most wary 

 muskellunge that ever lurked in weedy fastness. 



I will not spend much time discussing the type of 

 spoon, for the true angler will employ his favorite in 

 spite of anything I, or any other fishing editor, may 

 say. Then, your favorite type or make of spoon, for 

 the simple reason that you will handle it more faith- 

 fully than one with which you are unacquainted. 

 Therein lies the mysterious power of a certain rod or 

 lure — the angler's faithfulness and care in using. My 

 favorite type of spoon is the old-fashioned fluted or 

 kidney, with the "Slim Eli" a close second, all well 

 made and trustworthy. There is no necessity for an 

 overly large blade, provided the hooks are depend- 

 able and a long wire leader attached; the well-built 



160 



