I 4 2 THE PIKE 



rings should be set at right angles to the rod. When 

 buying a rod it is as well to see that the winch-fittings 

 will take one's reel, for it is a common practice of 

 rod-makers to make them too short for the reel plate. 

 If the rod is fitted with what are called Universal or 

 Weeger winch-fittings, almost any sized reel can be 

 used without breaking a penknife in an endeavour to 

 increase the length of the slot in the butt. 



The spinning rod, like that used for fly fishing, 

 should be fitted with ferrules which will not allow 

 the joints to throw out. I like nothing so well as the 

 American so-called suction ferrules, which are fitted 

 so truly that when they are drawn apart they make a 

 noise like a pop-gun. English tackle-makers, how- 

 ever, do not succeed very well with these ferrules, 

 but introduce many little dodges to hold the joints 

 together. Of these, lockfast joints are perhaps the 

 best. They require to be kept greased, as indeed do 

 all ferrules. It is important that ferrules should be 

 strengthened round the edge with a small rim or band 

 of metal. A good spinning rod is worthy of careful 

 attention ; it should be sandpapered and revarnished 

 from time to time and the bindings renewed. It 

 should never be put away in a damp case, and should 

 be hung up by means of a loop when not in use. 



It is certainly a sound policy to purchase a good 



