26 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



as perfect a rod as it is possible to build from steel, 

 and have wound it with the best of silk, laid on with 

 loving care. Mountings are German silver and 

 agate. Undoubtedly the winding gives added 

 strength, and if kept thoroughly shellaced, to ex- 

 clude water, the rod will unquestionably render life- 

 long service. While not wound in order to conceal 

 the material, to the casual observer, the rod is taken 

 for some solid wood, or round split-bamboo. A 

 number of times I have asked rodsters to name the 

 material from which the De Luxe is made and very 

 seldom indeed has one suggested steel. However, 

 as intimated a moment ago, the purpose of the wind- 

 ing is not to deceive, but to add strength and beauty. 

 Any user of a steel rod need not be ashamed of his 

 caster, much less the user of the De Luxe. 



I believe that I have said more in defense of steel 

 as a rod material than any angling writer, and 

 I am the owner and proud user of a number of split- 

 bamboo and solid wood rods. "Why do I devote 

 so much space to the steel?" Simply because the rod 

 is making head in spite of its critics, winning through 

 sheer merit, and this work must supply the informa- 

 tion the amateur seeks. I am trying to give an 

 unbiased opinion of the steel rod. I have no axe to 

 grind, surely it is unnecessary for me to say that. 



Now to return to the subject we were discussing a 

 moment ago. Like a great many angling topics, the 

 last word will never be said regarding the correct 



