ON RODS. 



THIS is a most important article to the angler, and should 

 be selected in every possible point to meet his wishes. I 

 do not agree in going to extremes. The rod should 

 neither be too stiff or too whippy. The action of a well- 

 balanced salmon or trout rod should play true and even 

 from the butt to the top, and when put together and held 

 out, ought to lay nearly straight from the hand. If it 

 drops in one part more than another, it will be sure to 

 break there, and may do so even when picking up the line 

 to make a cast. If it should last for a short time it is 

 very unpleasant for the angler to try and make a correct 

 cast. For single-handed fly fishing I think an eleven or 

 twelve foot rod ample for most streams. I seleom use 

 one longer than eleven feet, and prefer an eight foot when 

 wading, as I can do the work much better, and throw 

 right and left under overhanging bushes, which it is 

 impossible to do with a long rod. If the angler uses a 

 rod he cannot wield with ease it makes a toil of what 

 would be a pleasure ; he soon becomes tired, and feels the 



