ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT 33 



in a rod we consider to be stiffness and lightness, 

 two qualities exceedingly difficult to combine. The 

 amount of stiffness should be such that, when casting, 

 the forward motion of the rod may be stopped pretty 

 quickly without any recoil of the point taking place. 

 Most of the rods that are to be had ready made in 

 Edinburgh are useless from their excessive pliability, 

 and from what we have seen of English and Irish 

 rods they are still worse. This is not the fault of 

 the rod-makers* who require to suit the public taste, 

 but the fault of anglers who will have their rods 

 made in that manner. We know of no place where 

 a better rod can be had than in Edinburgh if the 

 angler only says that he wishes it stiff. In casting 

 with a supple rod, after propelling the line forward, 

 and stopping the forward motion of the hand, a 

 recoil of the point takes place, which to a consider- 

 able extent interferes with the forward motion of the 

 line. 



The advantages of a stiff rod are its great supe- 

 riority in casting; it will throw a longer and a 

 lighter line, and with greater certainty, to any spot 

 the angler wishes. Its advantages, in these respects, 

 are particularly apparent in a windy day, when it is 

 necessary to cast against the wind, or even sideways 

 to it. With a supple rod, in such circumstances, it 

 is almost impossible to get the line out at all. 

 Another great advantage of a stiff rod is its supe- 

 riority in striking. In striking, by a quick motion 

 of the wrist, the angler moves the rod ; if this is 

 done with a supple rod, the part of it in the hand is 



