FISHING RODS 



the old English style of dowel and mortise joint. 

 Another American feature, but a bad one, is the 

 solid metal reel-seat, which only increases the 

 weight of the rod, without being of any practical 

 benefit, — a simple groove, with reel-bands, is 

 much better in every way. 



Salmon fly-rods were formerly made as long as 

 twenty feet, and weighing several pounds. Of 

 late years, the length and weight have been mate- 

 rially reduced. An up-to-date salmon rod should 

 not exceed fourteen feet in length, nor weigh 

 more than twenty ounces ; while twelve feet and 

 sixteen ounces would be better. It should be 

 constructed of split-bamboo, though excellent 

 rods are made with ash butt, and lancewood or 

 greenheart for the upper pieces. As both hands 

 are employed in casting, there should be a grip 

 both above and below the reel-seat, which may be 

 wrapped with cord or rattan, though a cork grip 

 is still better. 



Single-handed fly-rods are from nine to eleven 

 feet long, and weigh from three to eight ounces. 

 The heavier rods are for black bass and large trout, 

 and the lightest for small trout. Comparatively 

 light rods are now made powerful enough to cast 

 nearly a hundred feet, and of sufficient strength to 

 kill the largest brook trout. The pleasures of 

 301 



