58 THETARPON 



grade of linen yarn known amongst the trade as No. 

 50. (See Tuna Club Rules.) ) 



Under the Tackle Specifications of the Tuna Club 

 the 24 thread line shall have a maximum breaking 

 strain of not to exceed 65 pounds ; the 9 thread line a 

 breaking strain of not to exceed 25 pounds ; and the 6 

 thread line to have a like strain of not to exceed 16 

 pounds; and lines must be tested either before using 

 or after the fish is weighed in. 



The laid line referred to gets its number from the 

 number of threads or strands it contains. 



The following schedule explains itself : 



No. Adapted For Length Recommended 



6 Regulation 3-6 tackle 900 feet 



9 Regulation light tackle 900 feet 



18-24 General fishing for tarpon . . . 600 feet 

 27-30 Tarpon trolling and fishing in cramped 

 quarters ; or where sharks are very bother- 

 some and the fish must be captured as soon 

 as possible. Their use is not recommended. 

 Four hundred feet is amply long. 

 Before use, a new line should be thoroughly wetted 

 in fresh water, stretched and dried in the shade. This 

 sets the lay of the line, prevents kinking and evens its 

 strength. Holder says that no one was able to capture 

 a tuna till both the reel pad and the line were wetted 

 just before beginning fishing, which prevents the burn- 

 ing of the line, on long runs of the fish, through the 

 friction of the pad on the line. A wet is stronger than 

 a dry line, so soak the line before fishing is started. 

 Anglers should buy the best lines the dealers carry. 



