BAIT-CASTING FOR TROUT 127 



My preference is for a rather longish rod, one of 

 six feet six inches, being a favorite; though in 

 time I may go to the regulation bass rod, for I 

 held out against the shorter bass rod until all 

 anglers considered me a crank. To get abso- 

 lutely perfect action, the rod should be a one- 

 piece, but because of unhandiness that is ruled 

 out. My rod is a three-piece beauty, just so 

 that it will go into a suitcase with little trouble; 

 though I honestly think one would get better 

 action from a short-butt long-tip construction. 

 Whatever style of rod you select, secure one that 

 has action and lots of it; not that it will be an 

 aid in casting, but because it will add to the pleas- 

 ure of playing the fish. If you find the long 

 rod too awkward for casting, as you may if you 

 are a devotee of the five-foot tool, I presume you 

 will employ the latter. 



As to the reel well, your favorite will of 

 course be the one you will employ ; though I have 

 a strong preference for the level-winder. I 

 want to have my eyes free to behold the gyra- 

 tions of the hooked fish. The only disadvantage 

 of the level-winder is that it will not hold so 

 much line, size for size, as the simple reel. I 

 desire a long line, two hundred feet being none 

 too much in the waters fished by me. 



