94 THE TARPON 



there gives specifications for a home-made tarpon rod and 

 describes clearly how to build, varnish and wind them. 



The angler should carry two rods, for accidents frequently 

 happen, usually to the tips, and rods may fail or be injured 

 under the best of care. It is a pleasant occupation to purchase 

 extra tips, fitting the butt and to mount, wrap and varnish 

 them during the winter. The invisible knot is easily learned 

 and Frazer clearly describes how to perform every stage of 

 the process. 



The tip-tops on all rods should be entirely of metal. The 

 agate tops are apt to be chipped by the swivel when the line is 

 reeled in and the line is then cut by the fractured parts. 



In playing a heavy fish, it will add to your comfort to have 

 a wrapping of heavy cord at the upper hand grasp. A king- 

 fish line or one a little larger is generally used. Women will 

 find this a great aid. This simple expedient will decrease the 

 task of landing a fish at least twenty per cent if your hands 

 are weak or tender. Manufacturers supply a rubbei- band for 

 this purpose which is efficient, but the line wrapping is better. 

 Your guide will put it on in five minutes. Be sure to remove it 

 before your rod is laid away after your holiday. 



Reels — This part of the angler's equipment plays the most 

 important part in the capture of the fish. The reel made by 

 Edward vom Hof e and catalogued as the "Universal Star" 

 is used by many tarpon anglers. The one used with the 24- 

 thread line (No. 6) will hold about 600 feet of line when 

 wet, bearing in mind that laid lines then swell. It is built 

 like a watch and costs nearly as much as the remainder of 

 the tackle. It has a light drag upon the left side, and an 

 adjustable drag upon the other. It is so constructed that the 

 handle does not revolve when line is being taken by the fish, 

 thus avoiding injury to the hand from the action of the han- 

 dle. Its use enables almost anyone to capture a large fish if 

 its mechanism is understood and it is skillfully manipulated, 

 vom Hofe's No. 4, or some other reel of similar size, is suit- 



