THETARPON 53 



CHAPTER III 



TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT 



N view of the fact that the angler may buy high- 

 class tackle from many different manufacturers, 

 especially adapted to the capture of the tarpon, 

 it is not necessary to enter into a technical description 

 of the rods, reels, lines and other equipment required 

 in this fishing. Only a few general suggestions seem 

 to be called for. All tackle should be subjected to a 

 moderate test before it is used. This rule applies to 

 all fishing. The angler will find it more satisfactory 

 to provide himself with the necessary tackle before he 

 starts on the trip. 



Rods — The rules of the Tuna Club will be found in 

 the appendix to which the reader is referred. It will 

 be observed that three types of rod are there recog- 

 nized. The following specifications govern the stand- 

 ard rod for heavy tackle. It is the heaviest that may 

 be used to establish a record for the capture of the 

 Tuna: 



"Rod to be of wood consisting of butt and tip, 

 and to be not shorter than six feet nine inches over 

 all. Tip to be not less than five feet in length, 

 and to weigh not more than sixteen ounces. * * * 

 By tip is meant that portion of rod from outer 

 end thereof to point where same is assembled at 

 butt with tip fully seated. ' ' 

 It is permissible to use any size line up to 24 thread 

 with such a rod. This tackle is amply heavy to cap- 

 ture any tarpon that swims and is recommended for 



