CHAPTER IV 



TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT 



''But you must have all these tackling , and twice so many 

 more, with ivhich, if you mean to he a Fisher, you must store 

 yourself. ' ' 



Isaac Walton. 



IN VIEW of the fact that the angler can buy high class 

 tackle from many dealers, especially adapted to the cap- 

 ture of the tarpon, it is not necessary to enter into a tech- 

 nical description of the rods, reels, lines and other equipment 

 required for this fishing. Only a few general suggestions seem 

 to be called for. All tackle should be subjected to a moderate 

 test before it is used. This rule applies to all fishing. The 

 angler will find it more satisfactory' to provide the necessary 

 tackle before he starts on the trip. 



Rods — The Tuna Club of Catalina Island, Cal., has been 

 conducted on a high plane ever since it was founded by the 

 late Charles F. Holder. Its rules and specifications for the 

 various types of rods have exercised a strong influence upon 

 sea-fishing everywhere. It will be observed that three types 

 of rods are recognized. The following specifications govern 

 the standard rod in the heay\^ tackle class. 



"Heavy Tackle — Rod to be of wood or cane, with usual 



mountings, and shall consist of butt and tip and shall be 



not shorter than 6 feet 9 inches over all. Tip shall be not 



less than 5 feet in length and shall weigh not more than 



16 ounces. Line shall not exceed standard 24-thread linen 



line and shall have a maximum breaking strain when dry 



of not to exceed 66 lbs." 



This tackle is amply heavy to capture any tarpon that 



swims. A sixteen ounce tip is too heavy even for beginners. 



A twelve ounce tip is more suitable. The rod should be built 



of bamboo although bethabara, hickory, greenhart, or lance- 



