The Tarpon 257 
or up to August 8, will give the reader a fair idea 
of the possibilities of sport in this part of Texas. 
This chapter gives experiences in fishing in 
Florida and Texas, but possibly the would-be 
tarpon angler and novice may desire some explicit 
directions, which, however, are naturally influenced 
by personal likes and dislikes. I have frequently 
in these pages voiced the sentiment that anglers 
obtain the fullest enjoyment in the possession of 
their own tackle, and that it often means the cap- 
ture of the fish goes without saying. We may 
assume, then, that the layman has been enthused 
to the tarpon-taking point and looks about him 
for an outfit. Many experienced tarpon anglers 
advise the making of tackle, that is, the snell or 
leader, some even making rods. I note that Mr. 
Mason made his own rod. A very successful rod 
can be made by selecting a good bamboo pole, 
cutting it down to seven feet, buying a reel seat 
and German silver guides and attaching them; 
yet I would not advise it. Good tarpon rods are 
works of art, and they are produced by experts in 
their line by the great tackle dealers of the country. 
In this sport one wishes to take no chances, hence 
I would suggest to the would-be angler to buy or 
order from some one of the old firms a tarpon rod 
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