PISHING LINES. 9 



not too heavy for the single hand, gives the angler a greater com- 

 mand over the water, and enables him, not only to throw his flies 

 more lightly, but often to reach distant spots, where fine fish are 

 lying, without either overreaching himself, or having recourse 

 to wading. 



Accidents to rods should be always calculated upon, whenever 

 we go to the waters. They often arise from the simplest circum- 

 stances or f casualties. The salmon and trout fisher especially, 

 ought always to be provided with two or three spare top-pieces, in 

 case of any mishap from loss or breakage, 



A trout rod for trolling for with minnow, should be from twelve 

 to fourteen, or even sixteen feet in length, of a good firm build, not 

 by any means so elastic as a fly rod. A rod for worm-fishing 

 ought to be stoutly and firmly constructed, of the same length as 

 a fly-one, and to feel, when placed in the hand, pretty stiff and tidy. 

 Eor what is called "bush-fishing," with the worm, a much shorter 

 rod will answer the purpose ; and the stiffer and stronger it is the 

 better. 



A pike rod ought to be very strong and stiff, and as straight as 

 an arrow. The length should not be more than about fourteen feet ; 

 though, for our own part, we have often used rods of only ten feet. 

 The rings through which the line travels should be strong and 

 large ; and, in our opinion, the fewer the better. 



The rod for spinning the minnow is recommended by some 

 experienced anglers to be made of bamboo cane, and to be from 

 eighteen to twenty feet long, with a stiff top. A similar kind of 

 rod, but only about twelve Feet in length, is used in angling with 

 the ledger bait for the barbel. 



The rod adapted for roach and dace varies according to the 

 nature of the fishing ground. If the angler has to pass over high 

 banks, or lofty reeds, the rod should not be less than twenty feet, 

 and very light ; but if the sport be pursued from a boat, or even on 

 water of easy access, a rod of twelve or fourteen feet will be 

 long enough. 



Eqr the convenience of travelling, either in England or on ^ the 

 continent, what is termed " a general rod," is the most eligible. 

 It is so contrived, by means of top joints of various degrees of 

 length and elasticity, to answer the several purposes of fly-fishing, 

 trolling, or bottom-fishing. The whole affair may be packed up as 

 to be no more trouble than a single rod, and is often put into the 

 same dimensions of an ordinary walking stick. 



FISHIXG LINES. 



Fishing lines are made of various materials, and of various de- 

 grees of strength and length, depending entirely upon the kind of 

 angling for which they are required. 



Eor salmon and trout-fishing, whatever length or strength we 



