THE ROD 43 



than formerly and at least one model is now on the 

 market that is about as light as bamboo. 



Weight in ounces is rather misleading. A six foot 

 bamboo rod will weigh about 6^4 ounces, but its action 

 may be either stiff or " whippy" in the tip and therefore 

 action as well as weight must be considered. We quote 

 from a catalogue to illustrate the variations in some 

 standard rods: Bamboo, length 5 feet, light, 5 ounces; 

 standard 5^2 ounces; heavy, 6 ounces. Five feet six 

 inches, light, $% ounces; standard 5^ ounces; heavy, 

 6 ounces. Six feet, light, 6 ounces; standard 6j4 

 ounces, ; heavy, 6% or 7 ounces ; lancewood, length 5 

 feet, light, 5% ounces; standard 6% ounces; steel 5 

 feet and five feet six inches, average weight 8 ounces. 



MATERIALS AND PRICES 



When the short rod first came into use much ex- 

 perimenting was done with different materials. Rods 

 with ash or hickory butts and lancewood or cane tips 

 were common. Later on osage orange and other 

 woods were popular. 



The materials now commonly used in making cast- 

 ing rods are steel, the solid woods, like noibwood, 

 bethabara, dagama, greenheart, lancewood, and split 

 bamboo. 



We do not share many angler-writers' prejudice 

 against steel as a casting-rod material. Bait casting, as 

 generally practiced, is a strenuous sport and requires 

 sturdy tools. Steel has its advantages as well as draw- 



