CHAPTER VI 



THE ROD, THE REEL, THE LINE, THE LEADER 



AND THE FLY 



The Rod: 



The best and most serviceable fly-rod, from every 

 standpoint, is probably one made of split bamboo, and this 

 seems to be almost the universal opinion of experienced 

 anglers all over the world. 



The value of a split bamboo fly-rod depends upon the 

 quality of bamboo cane out of which it is made and the 

 workmanship that is put into its making. 



The strength and resilience of the rod depend upon 

 the fineness and thickness of the enameling on the cane, 

 together with the number of silk windings. 



A split bamboo rod should be made of six pieces, hex- 

 agonal in cross-section, and when one is being selected its 

 length and weight should depend, first, upon the angler^s 

 development and natural physical capabilities; second, 

 upon the kind of water most generally to be fished, and, 

 third, upon the amount of fishing to be done. 



A round rod is not as good nor as strong as one hex- 

 agonal in form. This is necessarily the case, because to 

 make a round rod some of the enameling has to be cut 



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