THE BAIT-CASTING ROD 33 



thing for which designed, though for the reason just 

 given I do not use it. 



In the matter of hand-grasps there is a wide range 

 of selection, both in form and material. I strongly 

 prefer the double style, though a good many anglers 

 use the single. In reeling in, the left hand naturally 

 grasps the rod by the forward grip, the thumb and 

 fore-finger laying the line. As it adds to the beauty 

 and symmetry of the rod as well as to its serviceable- 

 ness, the only indictment which can be brought against 

 it is the matter of weight, an infinitesimal item. 

 Should you try out two rods, one with a forward 

 hand-grasp, the other without, and like both equally 

 well, my advice would be, select the one with the for- 

 ward grip. The hand-grasp itself should be "soft" 

 to the hand, otherwise the rodster will find his hand 

 growing sore after continued casting. After experi- 

 menting with many materials I gladly give first place 

 to cork; it offers sufficient grip, is not harsh to the 

 hand, and when made of select material, is durable. 

 The veneered cork hand-grasp is almost worthless, 

 as it is certain to crack and peel under service. The 

 grasp should be constructed of cork rings, firmly 

 glued together over a wood core, the method em- 

 ployed in constructing all better grade rods. I think 

 I would give second place to the solid wood handle, 

 though somewhat heavier than cork and the other 

 materials used. The celluloid wound handle is 

 pleasant to the feel, but liable to break. The cord 



