24 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



may be a variation of an inch or two. So, second to 

 the one piece rod, is the two piece, long tip, short 

 butt construction. 



As has been emphasized already, the only reason 

 for the three piece rod is the matter of convenience. 

 There are times when to slip a casting rod into a 

 suit-case is a convenience indeed. In the wood rod 

 I regard the three piece rod as stronger than the two 

 piece when both butt and tip are of equal length, the 

 added ferrule being more than off-set by the position 

 of the ferrule in the middle of the two piece. I think 

 no argument will be necessary here. However, by 

 actual tests I have convinced myself that the three 

 piece rod can not stand up under the same strain that 

 the two piece rod long tip and short butt construc- 

 tion will endure without harm. I do not want you 

 to understand me as saying that the three piece rod 

 is not a good tool. I have one with joints 27 inches 

 long, a 6-foot-6 rod when assembled, that is all that 

 the most fastidious and particular crank could re- 

 quire ; naturally the unusual length adds somewhat to 

 its strength, but even in the 5 foot length, if well 

 made, it would prove satisfactory. Just the same, I 

 am not advising even high grade split-bamboo 

 casters in the three piece style ; the two piece is best. 



If for the sake of convenience you need a three 

 piece rod, then invest in a high grade steel, than 

 which there is nothing better. Obviously the ma- 

 terial from which the rod is made lends itself admir- 



