24 
REELS. 
REELS. 
Many old-fashioned Anglers think that this is a superfluous 
article in the equipment of a sportsman ; hut 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manufacture, which have almost entirely superseded the fo- 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 thing 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 arc the pride of the scientific Angler. 
