TROLLING FOR LAKE TROUT. 67 



tips. The second, third and fourth joints should be bamboo, so that 

 when the rod is put together, it will be about twelve feet. 



The rod should have two spare tips ; one should be stronger and 

 shorter than the other, to vary the fishing according to the state of the 

 weather, and circumstances. 



The fourth or last joint, tip, should be about three feet, thinner, 

 and more pliant than the spare tops which fit in the bored butt. The 

 first spare top should be two feet long, stiffer and stronger than the 

 original top. The second spare top should be about fourteen inches 

 long, strong and stiff; and in heavy weather, this strong, stiff top will 

 be the one to use. 



Rod-making has been brought to such perfection, it would be a 

 waste of time to give further instructions ; but still I only know two 

 men in this city who can make a true trolling-rod, viz : Ben. Welch, 

 of Cherry-street, and George Karr, of Grand-street, near Broadways 



Rings should never be used on rods of this character. The u rail- 

 road" through which the line travels, constitutes one of the peculiari- 

 ties of this rod. Rings interfere with, and impede the line, and should 

 not be used. The guides used by Welch are the only true ones they 

 are neat, light, with a thin flat shank, about one-fourth of an inch in 

 length, which is firmly secured on the different joints. There should 

 be very few guides on the rod five, I consider sufficient, exclusive of 

 the metal ease at the top of each tip. This metal case should have a 

 rounded surface, perfectly smooth, and sufficiently large to allow the 

 line to run without the slightest obstruction or friction. 



Let me give one hint before I take leave of the rod. I recommend 

 that all trolling-rods should have guides on both sides that is, a guide 

 on the opposite side of the other : not on the butt^ but on all joints from 

 the butt to the end ; and why ? In this kind of fishing there is power- 

 ful pressure on the rod ; and the very best will, from hard work, be- 

 come bent, and remain bent, and thus lose its elasticity. To ob- 

 viate this, turn round the joints, slip the line through the spare guides, 

 and in a few hours the rod is " all straight." 



2nd. THE REEL. To give an explanation of this to you, would be 

 absurd. I will simply say, that No. 3 is about the proper size for a 

 trolling-rod, without stop, click, or multiplier. The line cannot run 



