30 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



narrow, raised, off-set agate guide. It is better to 

 have the rod equipped throughout with agate, but 

 at any rate the first guide and tip-top should be of 

 that material. Agate reduces friction to the mini- 

 mum and therefore not only increases the caster's 

 distance, but also prevents wear upon the line. As 

 agate guides are somewhat expensive the caster is 

 sometimes under the necessity of finding a substitute, 

 and adamant is recommended. Shun all "ginger- 

 bread" work and unduly large guides, either will 

 prove an abomination. First guides need not be over 

 a quarter of an inch in diameter inside measure- 

 ment the second slightly smaller. I would not 

 place over two, aside from the tip-top, upon a five 

 foot rod. The more guides, the greater the friction 

 and wear upon the line. Personally I want plenty 

 of room between the reel and first guide about 24 

 inches but if you do not care for that "play room," 

 then use three guides, the first about 6 inches from 

 the reel. Undoubtedly the third guide adds some- 

 thing to the strength of the rod. I think if I were 

 selecting a steel or solid wood rod I would prefer 

 three guides, and am under the impression that they 

 are generally so equipped. 



We may dismiss the tip-top with a brief para- 

 graph, for all that has been said regarding guides 

 applies to it. The material should undoubtedly be 

 German silver, if possible agate lined. I would not 

 employ the so-called "guarded tip," a wire upon 



