THE TARPON 95 



able for use with the lighter lines. I am informed that the 

 Pflueger Atlapac reel is an excellent one and there are several 

 others well adapted to this fishing. Smaller reels are used 

 with lighter lines. The angler should learn the mechanism of 

 his reel so thoroughly that its manipulation becomes a habit. 

 All reels should be fitted with a thumb pad, which in skillful 

 hands, serves the purpose of a drag, if the angler has a 

 muscular thumb. A reel should be sent to its maker and over- 

 hauled at frequent intervals. It must be kept well oiled so it 

 will not "freeze". 



I have a vom Hofe reel which has given good service for 

 over twenty years and the only attention it has received has 

 been the light repairs made upon it by my guides. But it has 

 been kept well oiled and free from dirt. 



Butt Rests — Heavy fish are usually played with the butt of 

 the rod inserted in a leather butt rest secured to the upper 

 side of the angler's revolving chair seat. With light tackle the 

 angler may find it convenient to wear a leather butt rest 

 strapped around the waist. This is carried by all the outfit- 

 ters. It is also well to equip the butt of the rod with a rubber 

 pad having a flat rim for use when necessity arises. This acts 

 as a fulcrum when the rod is pressed against the body which 

 it protects. The Leonard rod comes equipped with a pad. 

 Dealers supply them to fit any rod. 



Lines — Linen lines are either laid (twisted) or braided. The 

 former is the stronger, but it kinks easier than the braided 

 line. A silk line does not stand salt water well, for it rots ; but 

 it is stronger than the linen line. The first-class linen tarpon 

 line is guaranteed by dealers to be twisted out of from six or 

 more threads of yarn having a tensile strength of two or three 

 pounds per thread. It is made from a grade of linen yarn 

 known in the trade as No. 50. 



The laid line takes its number from the units of threads it 

 contains. 



The following schedule explains itself: 



