CHAPTER IV 

 CHOICE AND USE OF THE FLY-ROD 



THE manner in which the rod should be fitted, 

 or mounted, being determined, we have next 

 to consider its length and weight. These 

 questions are largely ones of locality and the average 

 size of trout in the waters to be fished. In this mat- 

 ter, however, anglers are quite apt to be extremists, 

 some favoring very light rods and others rods rather 

 heavy. We will take it for granted that, at present, 

 you do not care to buy more than one rod, since, if 

 the rod is a good one, it will cost quite a bit; and, 

 with this in mind, we will try to choose the best weight 

 and length of rod for practically all-round trout fly- 

 fishing. You cannot be too careful in this regard ; for, 

 no matter how satisfactory the rod may otherwise be, if 

 you take a dislike to its weight or length, or if actual 

 use of the rod proves that it is unsuitable to your fa- 

 vorite trout stream, you are at once in the market for 

 a new rod. Without doubt there is a certain pleasure 

 in picking up new tackle ; but beyond a fixed point 

 which may be designated in dollars and cents the 

 pleasure ceases abruptly. Every man will have his 



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