14 ANGLING FOR COARSE FISH. 



For roacli-fisliing (after the manner of tlie London bank 

 anglers) in large rivers, such as the Thames, it is necessary 

 to buy a white cane roach-rod, from 15ft. to 20ft. in length, 

 straight, stiff for the most part, tapering gradually from the 

 butt, and as little topheavy as possible. This rod, which is 

 by no means a strong one, will be found of little use except 

 for roach-fishing from the bank. The Thames and Lea roach- 

 fishermen like to have the points of their rods just over the 

 float, and as in summer weeds often fringe the shore for 

 a considerable distance out, these very long rods are necessary 

 for this particular style of angling. My plan, of sometimes 

 using an extra butt with the light lift, rod, gives a fair 

 makeshift for the regulation Lea roach-rod. 



"When a rod is being chosen, it should always be handled 

 with a reel attached to its butt, otherwise its true balance 

 cannot be ascertained. Formerly most rods were made of 

 hard wood — hickory and greenheart being great favourites ; 

 but as bamboo is not only very light, but also possesses the 

 requisite strength, it has very properly become the favourite 

 material for most bottom fishing and spinning rods. People 

 who have the good fortune to live close to a river or lake 

 should use rods made of one single piece of bamboo, with a 

 jungle-cane top, a few inches in length, spliced on. These 

 are the most delightful rods I know of. The only disadvantage 

 connected with their use is that they cannot be taken to 

 pieces and put in a bag. They are largely used by the pro- 

 fessional fishermen of the Thames. To prevent rods warping, 

 it is a good plan to tie a loop of string at one end of each 

 joint, fasten on a weight at the other, and hang the joints 

 up by the loops. Rods should be re- varnished once a year^ 

 if much used. 



Hod-fittings. — Besides cane or wood, a rod consists of 

 metal ferrules round the ends of the joints, an arrangement 

 for fastening a winch or reel to the butt, and rings to convey 

 the line from the reel to the top of the rod. On fly-rods it 

 is usual to have various devices connected with the ferrules, 

 to prevent the joints from coming apart, and as, when casting 

 out the tackle used in bottom fishing, joints do occasionally 



