FLEXIBLE KNOBS. 45 



joint should have two rings on each, the third and 

 top joints three on each. 



For top rings of pike rods, I find those the best 

 with a revolving inside ring that can be moved 

 round when it shows signs of wear by the friction 

 of the line cutting notches into it. 



The butt ends of pike rods should be fitted with 

 an india-rubber knob, which may be obtained at 

 any of the best tackle shops. These flexible knobs 

 are essential to the comfort of anglers, who, when 

 spinning or trolling, often experience inconvenience 



INDIA-RUBBER KNOB. PATENT PNEUMATIC BUTTON. 



from the pressure of the hard wood or brass against 

 the groin, this being the usual position the end of 

 the butt occupies in pike-fishing. Messrs. Carter 

 and Co., of 137, St. John Street Road, E.G., have 

 patented an excellent one of bronze and india- 

 rubber. Half a ball of thick rubber is fixed to a 

 metal plate, which, by means of an ordinary screw, 

 is attached to the butt of the rod. This half-ball 

 is hollow, and a small air-hole is drilled in the 

 metal plate. Upon pressure being applied some 

 air is forced out, sufficient to bring about a nice 

 softness in the ball, invaluable when spinning. 

 When the pressure is removed, the ball auto- 

 matically fills with air ; this ball or button should 



