BAIT-RODS 



FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



angling are much enhanced by the employment 

 of a light rod, which permits the angler to cast for 

 hours without fatigue, whereas with the old long 

 and heavy rod it was at best a labor of love. The 

 best material is split-bamboo, when of first quality, 

 though lancewood, greenheart, or bethabara is 

 more serviceable in the long run, and if made by 

 a master hand is almost as satisfactory, espe- 

 cially for the heavier rods. 



Bait-rods are shorter and stiffer 

 than fly-rods in order that a 

 long initial cast may be made 

 from the reel with a bait, swivel, and sometimes a 

 sinker, at the end of the line. By reducing the 

 length of the rod, the weight is correspondingly 

 decreased, while the rod is really more effective 

 and handier. 



Rods for tarpon and tunny, or tuna, are the 

 heaviest and stiffest. They are from six to eight 

 feet, or preferably seven feet in length, and weigh 

 from sixteen to twenty ounces in hard wood. 

 The entire rod may be made of split-bamboo, 

 though in so stiff a rod cheaper material will 

 answer as well, as ash and lancewood or green- 

 heart. Natural male bamboo is lighter and nearly 

 as effective. Double guides, with agate-lined tip, 

 should always be put on such rods, which are 

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