FLY-ROD FOR TROUT FISHING 19 



the long run the most successful way of taking trout is 

 fly-fishing for them when it is done rightly. The 

 outfit for trout fly-fishing is composed of a fairly long 

 list of various items, some of them apparently unim- 

 portant but nevertheless by no means to be overlooked. 

 In trout fly-fishing it is the little things that count. 

 Looking over the list of necessaries it is hard to de- 

 termine just which of the different essential things is 

 most important ; but, logically, the fly-rod first calls 

 for consideration. 



It may be stated at the outset that, in the opinion 

 of expert rod makers and rod users, fly-rods of split- 

 bamboo, or split and glued cane as they 

 are sometimes called, are unquestionably Qualities 

 the best. This is because the split- ' j> , 

 bamboo rod possesses in a greater degree 

 than rods of any other material or combination of 

 materials the essential qualities which any rod must 

 have to distinguish it from a mere " fish pole/' These 

 qualities are: Lightness, pliancy, resiliency, strength 

 and balance. 



In addition to the fact that good sportsmanship de- 

 mands the use of a light rod, such a rod is in many 

 ways the most desirable. The advantages of lightness 

 in the fly-rod are so obvious that it is hardly necessary 

 to enlarge upon them. Moreover, if you wish a heavy 

 rod you will have to build it yourself or import it 

 from England. Generally speaking, all American rods 

 are light. One advantage of the light rod is the re- 



