ACTION OF A PERFECT TROUT ROD 217 



A CORRECT METHOD OF TESTING 



It is evident then that a test should be made by the hand, 

 but equally also that it must be made in some well-considered 

 and definite manner. Obviously a very varied effect will 

 be produced on the senses by the same rod if the wrist be 

 used, in one case, as a well controlled extension of the 

 forearm, and in the other simply as a more or less controlled 

 hinge between the forearm and the hand. If a more or less 

 rigid and weighty stick be used as in the backward or for- 

 ward motion of the fishing rod, its backward action being 

 checked as that of the rod should be by the thumb, at a 

 point about twenty-two degrees behind the vertical, and 

 again checked as it should be at the end of its downward 

 stroke, a certain hit or strain will be felt on the wrist as the 

 momentum of the rod is stopped. The amount of the hit 

 or strain will be an index as to how much the elasticity of 

 the stick, or butt end of the rod fails to blend its vibrating 

 elasticity with that of the arm, wrist and hand. If the 

 same stick or bar be brought backward and forward, and 

 the wrist be permitted to yield to the momentum of the 

 stick, this hit or strain will not be so immediately 

 appreciated, but nevertheless the strain of this hit, though 

 it does not at once become apparent as it does when it is 

 checked with a stiff wrist under the control of the thumb 

 will yet affect the muscles which control the wrist and 

 which will be called into play, and the greater the hit 

 or jar, the greater will be the strain and also the fatigue as 

 the day lengthens. 



THE ACTION 



By far the most important factor which contributes to the 

 perfection or the non-perfection of a trout rod is that which 

 centres round this word Action. Provided it is made of 

 the best cane, and that its centre of balance is only a few 



