THE BAIT-CASTING ROD 9 



me say, the average amateur, the one for whom this 

 chapter is especially written, probably cannot afford 

 to experiment with various woods; he wants a rod, 

 then let him purchase in the light of the information 

 which others' experience has acquired. Again I 

 must pause to say, let the angler buy the very best 

 rod he can afford. Better far purchase one good 

 rod than two cheap ones, though it is of utmost 

 importance to carry two rods if going on a long or 

 hard trip where one might be broken. The whole 

 world is being ransacked these days for rod material, 

 little known as well as familiar woods are being 

 employed by curious and ambitious amateur work- 

 men, until it is almost impossible to mention a wood 

 that some one has not tried out. Not all of these 

 woods deserve mention, because not of sufficient 

 importance. We will confine our discussion, with 

 one or two exceptions, to the materials most fre- 

 quently used, mentioning them in the order of their 

 importance. 



Without fear of successful contradiction I give 

 split-bamboo first place. There is no known wood 

 equal to well selected and cured bamboo. I have 

 handled many rods of various materials, good rods, 

 too, but it must be said that the well made split- 

 bamboo possesses a fine action, quick responsiveness, 

 and casting power unequalled by any other material. 

 Note, I said "well made," for a cheaply made split- 

 bamboo is a delusion and a snare, a poor proposition. 



