198 WILD LIFE AND THE CAMERA 



otherwise they will be sure to dry out, especially at 

 the ferrules. When not in use the rods should 

 never be left in the sun. Reels require more 

 attention than in the East, both on account of the 

 dust which finds its way into everything, and the 

 heat which dries out the oil ; therefore clean and 

 oil frequently. 



In general, the tackle required for the rainbow 

 trout and its allies is very similar to that used for 

 the Eastern brook trout, though a slightly heavier 

 rod may be preferred. A five and a half ounce rod 

 should prove heavy enough for any one. The eight 

 ounce rod recommended by a certain writer is out 

 of all proportion to the size of the fish. Split 

 bamboo of good quality is preferable to lancewood 

 or greenheart, as it will not be so likely to dry out. 

 But on no account use a cheap department store 

 split bamboo, as it will not stand the climate. In 

 any event do not fail to carry an extra rod or two 

 in your outfit, and don't pack them all on the same 

 mule, unless they are protected with more than 

 ordinary care. 



Without wishing to show any partiality, I would 

 advise securing your outfit in the East, where the 

 prices are lower and you know your dealer and 

 maker of the rod. In the West, fly-fishing is of 

 comparatively recent date, and has not yet reached 

 the high degree of popularity and perfection that 

 has been developed in the East. Hence the dealers 

 are not so well stocked with rods, flies and other 

 articles necessary to the angler. 



Don't carry a small creel, as you should be pre- 

 pared to carry fish that may be twenty or thirty 



