ADVANTAGES OF LONG RODS. 7 



and \Ymch and line to match, will cover more 

 water, and capture a greater number of salmon 

 in less time, than a man of five feet six, with 

 a seventeen or sixteen foot rod. In all other 

 respects I suppose them equal ; that the tall man 

 is as expert an angler as the short one, that their 

 flies and tackle are equally good, equally w^ell 

 made, and of equally good material. This equality 

 being conceded, the only diiFerence will be that 

 which exists between the length, size, and strength 

 of the men and their tackle. This difference is 

 advantageous to the stronger man, particularly in 

 large rivers, prolific of large fish. 



I will detail some of the advantages. A long 

 man with a long rod can throw a longer line than 

 a short man with a short rod, admitting parity 

 of skill. A long and powerful rod will carry 

 a heavier line ; and a heavy line, being as well 

 made and of as good material as a lighter one, can 

 be propelled to a greater distance. The upper 

 joints of a short rod, especially the one that is 

 technically called the '^small-piece," will frequently 

 break in the act of casting a long and heavy line 

 — more frequently than during the act of play- 

 ing a fish. With a long and powerful rod and line, 

 the angler has much more power over a hooked 

 fish, than if his tackle were shorter and slighter, 



s 4 



