THE ROD 33 



will fish, and the kind and size of fish we are likely to 

 try conclusions with. 



FITTINGS 



In the fittings of the rod we may cater to our whims 

 somewhat, because if they do not suit us we can easily 

 replace them with some that do, with the possible ex- 

 ception of ferrules. True, most rods are used just as 

 they come from the shop, but refitted rods are by no 

 means rare. 



The ferrules are the principal fittings and the wise 

 angler is careful to find out what he is getting in this- 

 line when buying a rod. Ferrules are made either of 

 brass, nickel-plated, or of German silver. The oxid- 

 ized finish often seen on English fly rods is desirable 

 and we wonder why it is not used more in this country* 

 German silver is the best ferrule material and for those 

 used on the higher grade rods the metal is drawn and 

 redrawn until it has the temper of steel. Also care is 

 used in designing a good ferrule so that it is not neces- 

 sary to cut away any of the wood to get a good fit. 



Good ferrules are "welted." That is, the open end 

 of the female half is reinforced by an extra piece 

 welt of metal, and they are "capped" or shouldered to 

 insure a perfect union of wood and metal. Good 

 bamboo rods nowadays seldom have anything but ser- 

 rated ferrules, (a few makers have perfected fer- 

 rules of their own that are excellent but we are re- 

 ferring now to the ferrules found in the average 



