CHAPTER II. 



DRY FLY TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT. 



(ODERN glued-up cane rods have practically done away 

 with hickory, blue gum, or other wooden rods — at any 

 rate, as far as dry fly angling is concerned. Their action 

 when well made is so true and quick, they pick up the 

 line from the water in the way their forerunners never 

 could ; they are not liable to snap or break, and if tended 

 carefully are very long-lived. Most of us have old favourite 

 greenheart or other rods, companions in many a pleasant 

 hour. We would not part with them, but on the other 

 hand would leave them lying in their cases, taking out 

 our cane rods in preference. The big grip on the butt, whether of 

 cork, leather, or wood, prevents to a great extent the cramp to the 

 fingers that would be certain to come from using our former small- 

 butted rods in dry fly work. 



Built-up cane rods vary, of course, greatly in quality and durability. 

 Cheap ones may be bought, and they will certainly turn out a dear 

 purchase. It is best to buy one from the very best makers only, and 

 eschew as worthless all cheap imitations. Having decided to purchase a 

 built-up rod, we have to consider its length, etc. It is, I think, generally 

 agreed that a length of from 9ft. 6in. to 10ft. 6in. is ample — the latter, in 

 my opinion, for choice. Messrs. Hardy, of Alnwick and London, have 

 devoted so much labour and attention to built-up rods as to deserve a 

 somewhat pre-eminent position amongst the many successful firms that 



