THE TARPON 29 



it on again with care. This is done to take the 

 strain off the reel-drum and to prevent the 

 reel from spreading. 



Split bamboo rods are the only rods that are 

 strong and durable enough for heavy fishing. 

 For ease and comfort fish with a rod that is not 

 over six inches longer than you are tall. Long 

 rods are back breakers. 



When I first visited Catalina Island in 1900 

 I broke at the butt, a defective 6 ft. 9 in. rod, 

 which, when repaired, was 6 ft. 5 in. long. With 

 this rod I killed 13 tuna that weighed 1,411 

 pounds in fourteen days and discovered the 

 advantage of a short rod. I now fish with 

 split-bamboo rods in one piece, tip and butt 

 all in one, 6 ft. 5 in. long. 



My success at Catalina in 1900 was the cause 

 of the Tuna Club Rules. The Secretary of the 

 Club informed me as I was leaving the island 

 that they had desired that an experienced tarpon 

 fisherman should try the tuna but that they were 

 disappointed with my "great success!" 



The Tuna Club Rules followed. They were 

 quite right to limit the size and strength of 

 lines but an angler should be allowed to choose 

 his own length of rod. It takes better hands 

 to fish with a short stiff rod than with a long 



