THE FISHING-ROD; 



other light solid material. Bamboo is not de- 

 sirable for a single-handed fly rod. The flexi- 

 bility of a trout fly rod should run through 

 every piece in due proportion ; and this highly 

 desirable feature in a perfect rod can only be 

 obtained in one in which every joint or piece 

 is of the same material, with the exception only 

 of the top piece. The best fly rods have brass 

 ferrules, cappings, and sockets, so that each 

 joint is fitted accurately and securely; and wet 

 or damp weather does not affect the joints, as 

 it does a common made rod, by sometimes 

 setting them all fast ; and in dry weather, 

 the strain of a heavy fish often causes a badly 

 made rod (or one in which the heel of each 

 joint is not ferruled) to come to pieces at the 

 joints. 



The best trolling rods are made of stout 

 bamboo, with a short whalebone top piece ; 

 but there are other materials of which very 

 good trolling rods may be made of whatever 

 material they must be strong. The most usual 

 length of a trolling rod is 16 feet, though for 

 wide waters one of 18 feet will be more desirable. 

 Almost any stoutly made rod may be converted 

 into a trolling rod by changing the top piece 



