SINGLE AND DOUBLE-HANDED RODS. 1Q1 



throwing with the double and with the single-handed 

 rod. There is, however, in other respects a considerable 

 difference as to the manner of using them, betwixt the 

 two implements, and they both possess different capa- 

 bilities. In trouting with the double-handed rod, there 

 is this advantage, that it commands a much greater 

 space of water than the other, and, if made of light 

 material, is in consequence more adapted for using over 

 lochs and broad rivers. The single-handed rod, on the 

 other hand, excels not so much as a weapon of power 

 as one of craft and pliancy. Its superiority, where fine 

 throwing and quick striking are required, is unquestion- 

 able. Armed with it, the practised angler may impel 

 his fly with the most wonderful precision and nicety of 

 calculation; he may command it, in fact, to drop seem- 

 ingly over the very snout of a feeding fish, and that as 

 lightly as if it were a snow-flake or the natural insect 

 which had fallen instead. When the trout is hooked, 

 also, and there is danger arising from the smallness of 

 the wire, or any other cause, of its escape, a pliant, 

 single-handed rod possesses this great advantage, 

 namely, that by means of it, the angler can play his 

 fish with singular delicacy ; not requiring, in order to 

 control its movements, to lay stress on his tackle. At 

 once, assisted by this yielding quality in the implement, 

 he can humour every caprice and effort to escape, while, 

 at the same time, he outwearies and subjugates his 

 victim, rendering its capture, in cases even where the 

 hook has taken very slight and unsatisfactory hold, a 

 matter of common occurrence. 



It is otherwise, however, in trouting with the double- 

 handed rod. Its general stiffness operates greatly to its 

 prejudice, while playing and landing a badly hooked fish. 

 The angler, also, in handling, has a very limited notion 



