TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



is to hold the line, the other to balance the rod and line ; 

 and while these two functions cannot well be compared 

 as to their importance, the proper balance of the rod is a 

 most essential element to be considered. 



There are many kinds of reels, but the only proper one 

 for fly-fishing is the single action click reel, with or with- 

 out the click release. As to the release it is for each angler 

 to decide for himself whether he wishes it or not. 



All good tackle stores have many patterns and styles 

 of such reels from which the angler may choose, and it is 

 for him to select the kind that he likes best, provided al- 

 ways that it is one, in size and weight, suitable for his rod. 



Too much pains cannot be taken in selecting the reel 

 that will give to the rod that proper balance which enables 

 the angler to cast for hours without experiencing fatigue 

 or soreness of wrist. 



In selecting the proper reel for weight most beginners, 

 as well as not a few experienced anglers, make the mis- 

 take of choosing too light a reel, with the result that the 

 proper balance of the rod is almost entirely lost. This 

 loss of balance becomes apparent by the tiring of the 

 wrist after casting for a comparatively short time, but the 

 real cause of the trouble, however, is most generally over- 

 looked. 



No absolutely set rule for securing the proper balance 

 of the rod and reel can be given, because every angler 

 has his own peculiarities with which to contend, due to 

 physical conditions, such as strength of wrist, length of 

 fingers and forearm and temperament. Therefore the 



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