RODS. 73 



to become manufacturers of fishing-tackle. That is a 

 trade which must be learned, as most other trades are 

 learned, by a long course of instruction and practice. 

 To become a skilful angler, a man need not neces- 

 sarily be an expert handicraftsman. In London, and 

 most other places where fishing is to be had, there are 

 makers of tackle ; and the angler will find it quite as 

 economical, generally speaking, and much more agree- 

 able and satisfactory, when he comes to use it, if he 

 purchases his tackle of them, instead of attempting to 

 make it for himself. Assuming, then, that this will be 

 generally done, I proceed to give the necessary direc- 

 tions, premising that I exclude all provision for fly- 

 fishing, which forms no part of the object of this work. 



SECT. I. RODS. 



IN length, strength, and fittings, the rod must be 

 adapted to the nature of the sport proposed, and the 

 circumstances under which it is proposed. A bank rod, 

 to be used on a wide stream, must be longer than a 

 punt rod. A rod to take roach must be lighter than 

 one to take barbel or trout; while other varieties will 

 be required for trolling and for minnow- spinning. 

 Rods for bottom-fishing are made of a variety of 

 woods, and in a variety of styles. Some are plain and 

 serviceable; some are costly and ornamental. I shall 

 consider what is really necessary for the angler's work, 

 and leave those who aim at anything beyond that, to 

 collect rods according to their taste and means. 



Many anglers stick to a plain bamboo rod, made to 



