THE BAIT-CASTING ROD 31 



either side the tip to guide the line into the ring; I 

 can not see that it serves any good purpose, simply 

 adds to line-friction and in no wise strengthens the 

 tip. These guarded tips are supplied in many 

 shapes, but after trying out a number I have gone 

 back to the old, simple angle top, than which I am 

 firmly convinced there is none better. 



When we turn to the reel-seat and hand-grasp, 

 there is room for discussion, for there are many 

 forms of both upon the market. The reel-seat 

 should be of metal, preferably German silver. The 

 purpose of the reel-seat is to hold the reel in position, 

 and if it fails to do that it has no place upon the rod. 

 Get that firmly in mind the reel is to be held 

 securely. Unless the reel-band is held down by a 

 finger-hook, to be discussed in the next paragraph, 

 the reel-band will work up in casting, releasing the 

 reel, to obviate which rod-makers have resorted to 

 many expedients. One maker has produced a rod 

 with a separable reel-seat, so to speak; the handle is 

 pulled out to insert the reel, then shoved home and 

 locked in position by a little pin which slips into a 

 hole in the reel-seat. Needless to add, once in place, 

 the reel can not possibly fall out, neither can it work 

 up the reel-slot. 



Other makers have arranged reel-bands with lock- 

 ing devices of various sorts, more or less efficient, 

 from a set-screw to a band so arranged that it fastens 

 by a simple turn to the left or right. Let the would- 



