THE TARPON 127 



thread or nine thread line will give better service than the 

 heavier and more complicated drag reel used with the heavy 

 tackle. In my opinion it is best not to use any drag save the 

 thumb pad, for the pressure of the thumb upon the line is 

 better than a mechanical drag when fishing with light tackle. 



Use as light a sinker as possible and tie it on with a piece of 

 small twine so it will snap off on the first jump of the fish. 

 The fish must be obliging enough to strike itself, for with light 

 tackle there is little to be done save to accept the fortunes of 

 war. When the fish is being played, the strain must be constant 

 and it should be fought up to the limit of the strength of the 

 tackle. 



The angler should ascertain how much strain he can put 

 upon his tackle by lifting weights with his rod and line, thereby 

 ridding himself of the constant anxiety of breaking the tackle 

 while the fish is being played. The tackle will stand a far 

 heavier strain than one would think. The rod should be kept 

 nearly at right angles to the line of resistance and when the 

 strain on the rod approaches the danger point the line should 

 be released by lessening the pressure of the thumb upon the 

 reel pad. 



A little practice gives confidence and soon one learns to put 

 up a stout resistance to the fish. A rubber butt-pad is very 

 convenient, for the butt must be pressed against the body. A 

 butt rest, either on the upperside of the angler's chair-seat or 

 strapped around the body is not essential. Patience and cool- 

 ness will finally conquer any fish if he can be kept on but 

 numerous accidents befall one and many are lost. It is not the 

 kind of tackle to employ when fish are scarce or reluctant to 

 come to hook. The angler will need plenty of sea room for he 

 must follow the fish to keep his line. In crowded waters an 

 angler using very light tackle is a first-class nuisance to his 

 fellow anglers. 



One word more. If the fish can be induced to make the fight 

 over a sandy bottom the chances of its capture are much 



