THE ROD FOR BAIT-CASTING 113 



toward discontinuing entirely its use on the better class 

 rods. 



You will have to choose between the single and 

 double handgrasp. In this matter, also, personal pref- 

 erence is a factor. The rod with double handgrasp is 

 more comfortable to fish with, since the rod hand is 

 less liable to become cramped, the upper grasp afford- 

 ing a larger and firmer grip. The single grasp rod 

 has the better action and dispenses with the weight, 

 small to be sure, of the extra grasp. But if you find 

 two rods both equally acceptable to you, one with 

 double grasp, the other with single, choose the former, 



Be sure that the construction of the reel-seat is such 

 as to give the reel a very firm attachment. Some form 

 of locking reel-bands, not necessarily complicated or ex-, 

 pensive, is preferable. 



A good bait-casting rod will cost about the same 

 as a fly-rod of equal quality. The best grade split- 

 bamboo rods average about $25.00; 

 * medium grade $15.00 to $18.00. Solid 

 wood rods of the best grade in bethabara, greenheart 

 and lancewood, may be had for $8.00 to $12.00; noib- 

 wood, $15.00; steel rods up to $10.00. For agate 

 hand and tip guides add $2.00. 



. The logical place to discuss casting 



Casting f rom {kg ree j j s ; n connection with the 



Reel casting rod; the reader should, however, 



to thoroughly understand the following, 



familiarize himself with the other tackle in use by 



