Tackle 69 



method are: first, the rest to the rod from hav- 

 ing the strain on it changed by turning it over 

 from the position in which it is used when cast- 

 ing ; second, the saving to the line by the decrease 

 of the friction against the rings by the employment 

 of the American method ; and third, having the 

 reel in much plainer sight at the time of its hard- 

 est work. Still, the majority of the best anglers 

 in the world keep the reel always underneath. 



Returning to the width of the reel, a very nar- 

 row one is not so good as one of from i^ to if 

 inches' width of barrel, and about 3^ to 4^- inches 

 outside diameter. A reel of these dimensions 

 will hold one hundred yards of fair-sized line, say 

 No. 2 or 3, and more than that if the lower half of 

 the line is of linen. By the tension screw, which is 

 on the side of the reel opposite the handle, the pull 

 may be regulated, but should always be kept easy, 

 as a hard-running reel will not only wear out more 

 quickly, but one is more likely to lose fish with it. 

 It is noticeable how much less likelihood there is 

 to overrun in the more modern reels than in those 

 of former days, even when without the tension 

 screw. When a reel clogs from heating of the 

 interior mechanism, by plunging it in the water 

 it may frequently work all right again. 



