SALMON FLY ROD, REEL, &c. 53 



We fish for sport, and in order to enjoy it to 

 the fullest extent means, that no more exertion 

 than is absolutely necessary to effect the pur- 

 pose in hand, should be employed. There is 

 great pleasure to be derived from the mere 

 casting of the fly, and the consciousness of feel- 

 ing that the work is well and cleanly done. 

 The rod must have the power to lift and propel 

 with ease 30 yards of suitable line, and to effect 

 this, the tops must be stout and the action even 

 throughout its entire length. Every inch must 

 be muscle, from the graduated point down to 

 the hand, and must perform its due proportion 

 of work. 



That a poor workman with good tools will not 

 do as well as a good workman with bad tools 

 is true, but can hardly be adduced as an argu- 

 ment against good tools ; in fact, they cannot 

 be too good. There is no economy in selecting 

 any sporting article because of its low price. 

 As a matter of fact, the great probability is, 

 that the more expensive article will give the 

 greater satisfaction, and prove the cheaper in 

 the end. In any case, why save a few pounds 

 on the outfit, when the rent and other expenses 

 of a fishing are probably ten times greater? 

 Moreover, the outfit does not stop at one season 

 like the rent, as if properly selected, it may last 

 a great many years probably a lifetime. 



