CHAPTER IX. 



FISHING EODS. 



"And now, scholar! I think it will be time to repair to our angle-rods."— 

 TzAAK Walton. 



The first and most important article in the angler's 

 outfit is the rod ; it takes precedence of every other tool or 

 implement in his armamentarium. A thoroughly good 

 and well-balanced rod is the angler's especial joy and 

 pride. A true and tried rod of graceful proportions and 

 known excellence, which has been the faithful companion 

 on many a jaunt by mountain stream, brawling river, or 

 quiet lake, and has taken its part, and shared the victory 

 in many a struggle with the game beauties of the waters, 

 at last comes to be looked upon as a tried and trusty 

 friend, in which the angler reposes the utmost confidence 

 and reliance, and whicli he regards with a love and affec- 

 tion that he bestows upon no other inanimate object. 



I doubt if rifle, shot-gun, or fowling-piece ever becomes 

 so dear and near to the sportsman as the rod to the an- 

 gler, for the rod really becomes a part of himself, as it were, 

 through which he feels every motion of the fish when 

 hooked, and which, being in a measure under the control 

 of his will, and responsive to the slightest motion of his 

 wrist, seems to be imbued with an intelligence almost life- 

 like. 



The essential qualities of a fishing-rod are balance, 



(195) 



