FROM LAND AND PIER 187 



The reel should be of the Nottingham pattern, fitted with 

 the wire line guard, another little invention of my own which 

 prevents the line uncoiling and overcomes one of the greatest 

 drawbacks to the use of the Nottingham reel in the hands of 

 beginners. It should also have a check which can be put on or 

 off by moving a button on the back plate. The one shown in 

 the illustration is Farlow's Sun reel. The back is lined on the 

 inside with metal, which prevents the wood swelling and the 

 parts sticking. It is fitted with my line guard. Of course, the 

 better the reel, the better it will work. For boys' use from a 

 pier where only small fish are to be caught, a small reel to hold 



SUN REEL LINE GUARD 



fifty or sixty yards of line will answer all purposes ; but where 

 bass or large mullet may be expected, then certainly not less 

 than 150 yards of line should be on the reel, otherwise the angler 

 may lose the largest fish of a lifetime and for ever after regret it. 

 If the reel is entirely of wood it should be taken to pieces, 

 and either carefully painted inside with two coats of enamel 

 paint or smothered with vaseline. Otherwise the salt water, 

 which drips into and all over it from the long wet line, will be 

 certain to cause the wood to swell and stick. If either of 

 these precautions is omitted, and there is a stoppage, the best 

 thing to do is to take the reel to pieces, wash it well in fresh 

 water, and dry it slowly in a warm airy place in the house. 



