30 TROUT-FISHING FOR THE BEGINNER 



the case of the split bamboo, toughness. If 

 to the above is added perfect balance, we 

 possess a weapon which combines power and 

 accuracy in casting to a marked degree. 

 Fitted with such a rod, the beginner acquires 

 correct style from the first, and avoids bad 

 habits that have to be unlearnt later. . . . 

 There are plenty of cheap and in most cases 

 nasty rods on the market, and the beginner 

 will be well advised to make his initial pur- 

 chase from some well-known maker, whose 

 price may perhaps be thought a trifle high, 

 but whose goods will be found the cheapest 

 and most satisfactory in the long run. 



2. The red. 



Holding the line, and attached to the rod 

 by a simple fastening, is the reel. Reels are 

 now made narrow and deep, to ensure quick 

 winding, and are generally constructed of 

 aluminium-alloy. This material is light ; 

 the only drawback is that when wet a white 

 oxide forms upon it. If this oxide, however, 

 is wiped off on the angler's return it in no 

 way impairs the metal. For a 9-foot or 10- 

 foot rod, a 3-inch reel such as Hardy's 

 " Uniqua " pattern will be found quite suit- 

 able. I must warn the beginner against 

 the purchase of cheap reels, many of which, 



