The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-22
SEPTEMBER IDEAL
FOR SURF ANGLER
Migratory Fish Schooling and
Jersey Beaches Offer Fine
Sport Now.
HOW TO RIG TACKLE
By CHURCHILL HUNGERFoRD.


OCEAN CTR, N. j.. Sept. 21.-septem-
Der is an ideal time for the surf fisher
man. Migratory fish are schooling at
this time preparing to go south. and faii
weather Is an Ideal time to be on the
beach.
Surf fishing occupies the same rela-
tive position in salt water angling that
f,y fishing does In the fresh water sport.
Although vastly different in their tech
nique, both sports represent the acme
of skill In their respective waters.
To be successful in either. the fisher
man must possess proficiency In casting.
a thorough knowledge Of the habits OF
the fish and an ability to analyze the
conditions Of water and bottom.
The first thing necessary in the maxi
ing of a surf fisherman is the ability
to cast a bait $50 feet under fishing
conditions. This is not always an easy
feat. even to the EXPERT. However. with
a little practice and the proper tackle.
any one can reach this stage OF pro-
ficiency
The tackle. of course. is OF vital I'M
portance II must be good. 1t need not
be fancy. but 1t must be first class.
There Is no fair tackle, no middle
ground.
For the beginner. the rod should he
of the regulation two handed type, con-
sisting of n one piece tip and spring
butt. the rod assembled to BE- not less
than 8 feet inches long and made
preferably. for durability's sake, OF
greenheart or bethabara.
This rod is longer than the average
fishing rod. but It develops in the be-
gnner a slow. apparently effortless cast
Of great power with the minimum stress
upon the line. The swift, jerky casts
so often seen are invariably the outcome
of short. stout rods and are productive
of much loss and destruction of tackle.
Line for Novice.
The reel should be capable of holding
not less than zoo yards of standard
fifteen thread line. Those types which
have a readily removable spool are the
most satisfactory, as it is almost im-
possible to keep sand out of the gears,
80 that reel which can be cleaned on
the beach with little trouble is bound
to be the most durable. Back lashes
which seem hopeless are readily UNI
raveled by simply removing this spool.
Only those reels possessing free
SPOOL wherein the gears are disengased
during the cast, are suitable for surf
fishing.
The novice should start with a stand
ard eighteen thread line. While this
heavy line has, many Disadvantages. IT
Is strong enough to withstand all but
the most violent back lashes. When the
fisherman has learned to control his
reel he can drop to a fifteen or twelve
thread line. These smaller lines greatly
increase the pleasure of fishing. The
cast is materially heightened and the
6ipsie will hold bottom well in a current
that would sweep II in almost immedi-
ate,y IL an eighteen thread line were
used.
But careful attention must be given
to the lighter lines. They must be
tested repeatedly and kept under con-
tinuous inspection. The outer end wears
FIAT like a ribbon after short use. This
at first does not appreciabiy weaken
the line. but the outer end should be
tested. when dry. by giving it a sharp
twitch. II 1t breaks. continue until
sound, strong line is reached.
Before going fishing 1t is an excel
lent plan TO give the line the following
test: Attach one end to anything solid
and walk away in a straight line until
the reel is empty. Then attach one of
the small spring balances manufactured
the fishermen and graduated to sixteen
pounds. to the line and pull to the limit
Of the scales. If your line breaks. tie
1t with a jam knot, and continue tying
until 1t stands the sixteen pounds. When
II does that. 1t will stand all require
ments. but do not Ash with a line that