100 THE TARPON 



I have known many tarpon anglers ; but only a few of them 

 make it a practice to take good care of their lines, or, for that 

 matter, of any part of their tackle. Let me assume the role of 

 a Polonius for a moment. You should start fishing with a new 

 line. The best is none too good. When the day's fishing is 

 over, detach your leader and place your rod in the shade, first 

 running the wet portion off the reel and rewinding it. Be 

 careful not to fracture the line. When you leave the boat, carry 

 the rod and reel to your room. Never permit the leader or any 

 metal substance to come in contact with your wet line for 

 if you do, a spot of rust is apt to so weaken it that it will 

 fail at the point of contact. When your fishing holiday is at 

 an end, rinse the line in fresh water and dry it in the shade. 

 When the line has been in service for a week or so, reverse it 

 on the reel. You will then have the equivalent of a new line 

 for the chances are the portion originally underneath has 

 never been wet. Inspect your tackle, especially the hook, after 

 each catch. The lighter lines call for more care than those of 

 heavier caliber. 



I am sorry I have not followed all this sound advice. I have 

 lost many fish by not heeding these precepts. 



Formerly lines tested about two pounds per thread but they 

 are now made to test three pounds when wet. It is important 

 to specify the kind of line used when the catch is authenti- 

 cated. 



I here insert cuts of the rolling hitch and the rawhide cush- 

 ion. 



ROLLING HITCH 



THE RAWHIDE CUSHION 



A good plan to follow in all heavy sea-fishing is to rig the 

 line on the rod to be used and lift a dead weight from the floor. 



