6 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



Middle Western anglers to take up the short rod. 

 I well remember how the brotherhood of bass fans 

 jumped on me for advocating the 6-foot-6-inch cas- 

 ter, that, when perhaps nine out of ten were using 

 something less than a 5-foot tool. I would not give 

 up. I could not be convinced. I was sure that the 

 short rod could have but little if any action. I as- 

 serted over and over again that the function of the 

 rod was to play the fish, not to serve as a reel holder 

 simply. But in spite of my prejudices I became con- 

 vinced. Gradually, almost inch by inch, I cut off the 

 tip of my favorite rod, metaphorically speaking, 

 until to-day my favorite tool measures exactly 5 feet. 

 Perhaps I shall cut away 6 inches more, though I 

 much doubt it. Hereby I recommend the 5 foot 

 rod for all lure casting. (Parenthetically: later on 

 we will find a use for that "6 foot, 6 inch" rod.) 

 I would not have the reader for a moment think that 

 I have come to the use of the 5 foot rod without 

 much thought and experimentation. Grudgingly, 

 almost reluctantly, I have given up my preconceived 

 notions one by one, compelled to do so by actual 

 experiments and fishing experiences. I write not as 

 a study-angler: lake and stream have been my lab- 

 oratory. My tackle cabinet contains rods of many 

 lengths, of various materials, from many workshops; 

 cne by one I have tried them out, experimented with 

 them upon bass, pike and muskellunge, and to-day 

 I am ready to give you the results. 



