THE BAIT-CASTING ROD II 



the split-bamboo. I do not agree with them. I have 

 yet to break my first split-bamboo caster, and I pos- 

 sess them in various grades, ranging from $3.00 up 

 to $25.00. Ounce for ounce and caliber for caliber, 

 I regard the split-bamboo away ahead of any solid' 

 wood rod which I have ever been permitted to use. 

 Much more might be said regarding this premier 

 material, but there are several other materials to 

 mention and space will be at a premium before this 

 chapter is completed. 



I am going to give the steel rod second place, for 

 I regard steel, in bait casting rods at least, as second 

 only to split-bamboo. I am well aware that many 

 rodsters will not agree with me, but with the needs 

 of the amateur in mind, the steel rod must be given 

 what I regard as its rightful place. Few anglers 

 realize what wonderful strides have been made in 

 the manufacture of steel rods during the last few 

 years. While not possessed of the perfect action of 

 the high-grade split-bamboo, and somewhat heavier 

 than the solid wood, the high grade steel and there 

 are any number of cheap grades in all conscience 

 for rough and ready work is hard to beat. Do not 

 by any means take me to mean that the rod is de- 

 signed only for rough work; it is nice enough for 

 any one, gotten up in an expensive manner if you 

 care to pay the price. Take as an illustration that 

 Bristol de Luxe, wound with silk, mounted with 

 agate guides set in German silver. The rod is a 



