Reels. 97. 



All are agreed that the reel for a single-handed fly-rod 

 should be located below the hand, but there is some dif- 

 ference of opinion as to whether it should be at the ex- 

 treme butt or farther up. If at the extreme butt, it is 

 claimed to counterbalance the longer portion of the rod 

 more efficiently, and for this reason it is generally there 

 placed. For small fish this unquestionably answers well. 

 But no man can stand the continued strain of playing a 

 large fish at arm's-length. The butt is then supported 

 against the body, and if the reel is located too low down, 

 a blow in the stomach is received from the hand at every 

 revolution of the reel-handle. For this reason it is my 

 practice to secure the reel by inserting one end of the 

 reel-plate under a band just below the hand, instead of 

 below the butt-cap itself, fastening the other end by a 

 sliding band in the usual manner. I then reduce the 

 length of that part of the handle appropriated to the 

 reel as much as possible, and yet retain sufficient length 

 to insure convenient manipulation of the reel when the 

 butt is supported against the body. 



For the benefit of such as make their own reels, I give 

 the following method of tempering the spring, taught 

 me by one of the best tool-makers in this country. With 



that for a pound. The advantage of its low specific gravity (2.60) is 

 offset by softness, lack of stiffness and elasticity, its solubility in alka- 

 line .solutions, and that it cannot be soldered. In itself, therefore, it 

 would seem to merit little attention on the part of the angler. But its 

 alloys with copper are quite another matter. That composed of ninety 

 parts of the latter and ten parts of alumnium some authorities assert to 

 be the most rigid metal known. It is of a red-gold color, tarnishes with 

 reluctance, is somewhat lighter than brass or german - silver, and will 

 solder. For reels and rod-trimmings, now that it should be cheaper than 

 gennan-silver, it seems well worthy serious consideration. 



7 



