252 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



from which you would order your other material, a hol- 

 low metal reel seat, which includes in itself butt cap and 

 all bands, at about double cost. Then to fit the lower 

 end of your handle to it, and cement it on, is all that is 

 necessary. 



It is usually recommended to place the reel as near 

 the butt end of the handle as possible, since then the 

 weight acts more efficiently to counterpoise, and thus 

 diminish the apparent weight of the rod. Therefore, 

 one end of the reel plate is inserted directly under the 

 edge of the butt cap itself, and one reel band, sliding 

 from above, confines the other extremity. This arrange- 

 ment dispenses with one reel band. It does very well 

 for small fish ; but where those are expected which will 

 give from five to thirty minutes' play, no man can stand 

 the fatigue of so protracted a struggle at arm's-length. 

 The butt of the rod is then placed against the body, and 

 when the reel handle is manipulated, a blow in the stom- 

 ach is received at each revolution. Influenced by this 

 annoyance, I place a fixed band immediately below the 

 grasp, under which I insert one end of the reel plate. 

 The sliding band, used to confine the other end of the 

 reel plate, is placed between this and the butt cap. 



In forming your reel seat, in case you do not use that 

 of metal mentioned above, do not endeavor to shape out 

 a depression to fit, since to do this neatly requires time 

 and care, and it is difficult to finish ; but simply file the 

 place off flat, which will answer every purpose, finish 

 easily, and look quite as well if not better. Of course 

 care must be used and frequent trial of the fit, that you 

 do not take off too much. 



It is better to have your handle turned, than try to 

 make it yourself; though you can do so, governing your- 



