The Sunfish Family 25 



ing from the reel. For this purpose a rod eight 

 or nine feet long is much better than a shorter or 

 longer one. After a long series of experiments 

 with rods from six to twelve feet, I arrived at 

 the conclusion that the one now known as the 

 Henshall rod, eight and one-fourth feet long and 

 from seven to eight ounces in weight, fulfils all 

 the requirements of casting, hooking, and playing 

 a black-bass. It is light, strong, and of beautiful 

 proportions. In first-class split bamboo it may 

 be as light as six and one-half ounces, but should 

 not exceed seven and one-half ounces. In ash 

 and lancewood, or bethabara, from seven to eight 

 ounces is the correct weight. 



A multiplying reel is indispensable. It may be 

 two-, three-, or four-ply, but the best work and the 

 most effective casting can only be done with the 

 most perfect reel. It should be as light as possi- 

 ble, in a fifty- or sixty-yard reel. German silver is 

 the best material, though brass is fully as service- 

 able, and costs less. Some very good reels are 

 made of hard rubber and metal. 



Only braided lines should be used, as twisted 

 ones kink too much in casting. Undressed silk, 

 of the smallest caliber, size H, is best. Braided 

 linen is stronger, but of larger caliber, and not so 



