THE BOOK OF THE PIKE 



guarantee the rod against breaking on a fish." I se- 

 cured the heavier rod, and, strange to say, it weighed 

 but half an ounce more than the so-called "light bass," 

 though it seemed much larger in the butt joint and was 

 of the same length as the first. I tested the rod out, 

 then used either as I happened to feel like doing, and 

 when I took my record fish was handling the lighter 

 tool. Whatever the opinion of the maker, I would go 

 up against any great pike or muskellunge that ever 

 flipped a fin with that light rod and without a fear for 

 its integrity, either. 



At the same time I wrote the makers of the Bristol 

 No. 33, asking them if they would recommend that 

 rod for muskellunge and great pike of avoirdupois. 

 Back came the answer by return post, "Most cer- 

 tainly!" After that reply I honestly tried to break the 

 rod, playing many a heavy fish from the rod instead 

 of reel, as one should, actually "pumping fish" with it, 

 but the "33" never complained to the extent of a set 

 even. Take the "33" in "De Luxe" dress, and you 

 have the ideal great pike and muskellunge rod. Oh, 

 I know scores and scores of anglers will rise up to 

 curse, but the truth must needs be spoken, the truth 

 as I see it. Needless to add, I have no interest in the 

 Bristol rod nor any other. I am a simple, honest 

 fisherman. 



I have said nothing of length and construction, 

 having discussed all that in the previous volume, 

 "Casting Tackle and Methods," so will only say: 

 Employ the regular five-foot or five-foot six-inch rod, 

 split-bamboo or steel. Do not be tempted into pur- 

 chasing a longer than the five-foot six-inch caster, 

 either the one-piece in split-bamboo or the long tip, 



66 



