TACKLE 31 



for agate first guide and tip-tops and proportionately 

 for other " extras." 



NUMBER OF PIECES 



Perhaps the ideal fly rod, like the ideal bait-casting 

 rod, would be a single " stick " but such a construction 

 would not fit in well with American fishing conditions 

 imagine rushing for the 1 140 with a nine or ten foot 

 rod case! The same objection, but in less degree, ap- 

 plies to the rods of two pieces of equal length, which 

 are popular in Europe. The average American fly 

 rod is made in three pieces butt, middle joint and 

 tip, with an extra tip and this seems to meet with 

 general approval. 



Wells maintains that the proper form is the three 

 piece rod with an independent handle, his reason being 

 that it enables the angler to turn his rod from time to 

 time and thus equalize the strain and avoid a " set." 

 It is a reasonable theory. " Tourist rods " are usually 

 made up of three tips, two middle joints, two butt 

 joints and an independent handle, for use when the 

 angler goes into the wilderness far from the tackle 

 repair shops. Naturally a rod of this type is expen- 

 sive. 



The trunk, suitcase or " Sunday " rod is made in 

 four, five or six pieces for compactness and extreme 

 portability. Its action, because of the number of fer- 

 rules is likely to be impaired somewhat and such a rod 

 is recommended only when circumstances make it im- 

 perative. I know an angling parson who toted one 



