92 THE TARPON 



wood, are cheaper and durable. A tarpon caught on heavier 

 tackle than specified by the Tuna Club should be deemed in- 

 eligible for record. A line up to 30-36 threads is sometimes 

 used around the trestles on the East Coast or in very cramped 

 quarters, but they should be used only with the heavier tips. 

 Tarpon rods of the heavier grades usually have a double 

 line of opposite guides. The heavy sinker and the resistance 

 of the fish at the end of a long line will give any rod a pro- 

 nounced set if it is neglected, and the double line of guides en- 

 ables the angler to turn the tip over and thereby to straighten 

 it while fishing. But the high-grade rod can be kept in good 

 condition by bending it straight after each fish is taken or by 

 hanging it up with a weight attached to the butt. The line 

 sometimes catches in the empty guides and many anglers pre- 

 fer a single line. Personally, I never found any virtue in the 

 double guides. Unless the rod is equipped with an adequate 

 lock to securely fasten the reel, it should be lashed to the rod 

 so that it cannot become loose and drop off while playing the 

 fish. I have used the Leonard and vom Hofe rods for many 

 years and their reel fasteners have given complete satisfac- 

 tion. After a few tarpon have been captured I suggest that 

 the angler use a tip of from 10 to 12 ounces and an eighteen- 

 thread line. 



The Long Key Fishing Club specified an eighteen-thread 

 line and a tip to weigh not to exceed twelve ounces — a very 

 sensible requirement. 



"Light 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 over all. Butt shall not exceed 

 14 inches in length. Tip shall be not less than 5 feet in 

 length and shall weigh not more than 6 ounces. Line shall 

 not exceed standard 9-thread linen line and shall have a 

 maximum breaking strain, when dry, of not to exceed 26 

 lbs." 



