16 FISHING KITS AND EQUIPMENT 



tackle shop with the idea of purchasing an outfit, say 

 for fly-fishing for trout, frequently comes away with 

 an assortment of junk utterly useless for that pur- 

 pose. On the stream the outfit naturally proves far 

 from a success whereupon the fisherman concludes 

 that fly-fishing is not for him, or any man in his senses, 

 smashes or sells the tackle and goes out of business 

 permanently. Also, since the various forms of angling 

 are very unlike, it is quite possible for a man to be an 

 expert in one branch of the sport and a novice at an- 

 other. The great number of fly-casters who have re- 

 cently taken up bait-casting from the reel is an instance 

 of this. 



It is the writer's purpose to treat systematically the 

 subject of tackle and, in addition, to suggest what 

 tackle to select for the brook trout, the black bass, and 

 other sweet-water game fishes. The reader is duly 

 warned that he will seek in vain herein for exciting 

 tales of mortal combats with huge bass or trout for 

 fish stories of any sort, either alleged or experienced. 

 Neither are there picturesque descriptions of the moun- 

 tain trout stream or the forest-bordered bass lake. 

 Also, learned discussion or academic theorizing anent 

 the haunts and habits of fishes must be sought else- 

 where. We are here strictly concerned with the prac- 

 tical, unsung side of the subject how to outfit for 

 a trout, bass or other fishing trip ; how to select a good 

 fly- or bait-casting rod ; how the rods are made and 

 how they should be used ; the proper selection of reels, 



