34 PRACTICAL BAIT CASTING 



tackle store) as each tooth fits on a face of a 

 strip of the bamboo, making it more flexible than the 

 solid tube type and therefore reduces the stiffness at 

 the joints, always the ear-marks of a cheap rod. Fur- 

 thermore, good ferrules are waterproofed by having a 

 bottom or partition instead of being simply a tube. 

 This protects the ends of the wood from moisture and 

 possible rotting. 



Beware of extremely long ferrules, and if possible 

 avoid those fastened with a pin as it will be trouble- 

 some when you overhaul the rod, which will eventually 

 have to be done. 



GRASPS OR HANDLES 



The hand grasp should be of solid cork, either in 

 one piece or better of cork discs or washers over a core 

 of wood. Next in desirability is the cane wound 

 handle ; then the celluloid wound ; then the solid wood, 

 and last the cork veneer. The shape is a matter of 

 personal preference, although one with a knob or flare 

 at the butt will prevent the rod slipping from your 

 hand, especially very early or very late in the season 

 when your otherwise "trusty right" may be numb with 

 cold. 



The rod may be equipped with either single or 

 i ouble grasp. In the double style there is a small 

 f< >rward grasp, or winding grip, in front of the reel, 

 sf '. It adds but little weight to the rod, rests the 

 hand, and prevents cramped fingers, especially if you 



