236 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



fitted, the better suited it is to the needs of the man 

 who would cast spoons. While I am recommending 

 these delicate free-spools for this work, let not the 

 fact that you do not possess one deter you from 

 attempting the use of spoons ; simply, the better the 

 reel, the longer the cast, always providing you pos- 

 sess the requisite skill to handle the winch properly. 

 So, too, the line should be light, as light as is con- 

 sistent with safety. There is some sport in employ- 

 ing a line the fish can break unless handled with ut- 

 most skill, though of course it is never the part of 

 wisdom to use a line so light that it will part at the 

 first shadow of adversity. In this connection, allow 

 me to say that I have played and netted a two- 

 pound bass, using an ordinary No. 30 linen thread. 

 While one could employ a tournament line with a 

 deal of satisfaction, it is not wise to use a lighter 

 than ten pound test, which, in soft braided, is light 

 enough and fine enough to satisfy the most particu- 

 lar. 



The reader will by this time realize that I regard 

 casting a* spoon as a sort of false fly-fishing, and to 

 be indulged in as a fad. While this is true to a 

 great extent, I must add that one can catch bass 

 with spoons employed as one employs lures, indeed, 

 it is, under certain conditions a very successful 

 method of angling for bronze-backs. I think I have 

 shown why light and delicate tools should be em- 

 ployed for this sport, always providing the rodster 



