TROUT RODS. HOOKS. 41 



circumference than the rest. I do not recommend 

 the use of a spear at the but of a salmon-rod ; 

 because, being weighty and double handed, the 

 but often resting against the body, the spear may 

 not only be in the way, but even dangerous; 

 while at the same time it is useless, as the upper 

 part is too heavy to be supported by a short spear 

 stuck into the ground, especially in windy weather. 



Trout Rods, must be selected by the rules 

 which I have already laid down. The length, and 

 consequently the weight, may vary from eleven, 

 or twelve, to fourteen, or sixteen feet; some re- 

 quiring the use of one, and others of two hands. 

 Those of from eleven to thirteen feet long should 

 never exceed three joints, although four joints may 

 be more convenient to carry ; otherwise the top 

 joint becomes necessarily so very fine and thin at 

 the ferrule or splice, that it is likely to break 

 if you attempt to throw a long line. Rods of from 

 fourteen or sixteen feet may, however, be in four 

 joints ; and if this particular be attended to, I do 

 not think it absolutely necessary, (although safer,) 

 to have the top and thinnest joint spliced or 

 " scared " together. Trout-rods should always be 

 adapted for spears at the but end; and the rings 

 may be much smaller than those on the salmon- 

 rod. 



Hooks. — The last thing, and by no means the 

 least important, is, the hook ; of these the angler 



