When going seafishing I always choose from the new to the full moon,
for fish feed at night when there is a moon, and are therefore less
hungry than after dark nights.
This does not apply to Boca Grande where the moon is necessary for
night fishing.
The days of the changes of the moon, especially the first day of the
new moon, are the best days during the month for tarpon fishing. The
probable reason for this is that the tides are high and strong at such
times, which means more food or more inclination to feed, for the new
moon increases the activity of all fish.
When on a fishing trip I never dry my lines. Salt water preserves linen
lines and a wet line is stronger than a dry one. The lines must be
thoroughly dried indoors at the end of a fishing trip. Never dry lines
in the sun or wind for they are fatal. Lines used in fresh water must
be dried daily.
After a day’s fishing unreel the line and reel 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 pliable one and in heavy fishing comfort and ease is
the desideratum.
If the insects are bad use: