24 



REELS. 



Many old-fashioned Anglers think that this is a superfluous 

 article in the equipment of a sportsman ; but to any one who 

 has used it, it is almost as indispensable as the rod itself. The 

 main object of the reel is to give the fish a sufficient quantity 

 of line to tire itself, and consequently affords more sport than 

 could be obtained by the rod alone. By means also of this 

 valuable accessory, fish of almost incredible weight, may be 

 captured where the rod would prove utterly useless. 



They are generally made of brass or German silver, and 

 are of two kinds, simple and compound, or plain and multi- 

 plying. Those used for trout, perch, or any kind of light 

 fishing, are mostly imported from England, and hold from 20 

 to 50 yards of line. The majority of good Anglers prefer a 

 multiplying reel, because they can wind up much faster, and 

 consequently enjoy more sport in the same length of time ; 

 some prefer the plain reel on account of its simplicity, and 

 object to the multiplier on opposite grounds, and also reason 

 that with a heavy fish, the wheels of the multiplier are apt to 

 be clogged by friction, or bent by pressure. This may apply 

 to the cheap imported reels, but not to those of American 

 manufacture, which have almost entirely superseded the fo- 

 reign; in fact, with the exception of artificial baits, all articles 

 of tackle made in this country are equal, if not superior, to 

 those of England ; and if the Angler can procure the Ameri- 

 can, he should patriotically avoid any tiling else. 



The reels used in bass or salmon fishing, are manufactur- 

 ed altogether in this country, and are calculated to hold from 

 50 to 200 yards of line each. They are made of the best 

 hammered brass, or German silver, with balance handles, 

 without stops, and with plain or steel bushings. They run 

 with little friction, and the least possible noise, and when in 

 perfect order are the pride of the scientific Angler. 





