TACKLE 43 



a rod's action by swinging it a few times; I cannot and 

 I am sure that the average angler can do no better. 



To really know what one is buying he should rig 

 the rod up with reel and line and actually cast with 

 it. For this reason I prefer to buy from a small tackle 

 shop where I am known and where the owner will per- 

 mit me to take a rod home and give it a try-out. That 

 is the real way to buy a rod but it is not always possible. 



In buying a wood rod do not get one that is stained 

 which hides imperfection of grain. Examine it care- 

 fully for bad spots. In buying any rod hold it out 

 straight and " sight " along its length. It should 

 droop a trifle at the tip; if the dip is extreme try an- 

 other as this fault will increase when the rod is put 

 into use. A tip may be a trifle too stiff in a new rod as 

 use will remedy that. If the rod is satisfactory so far 

 slowly roll it over the droop should remain constant 

 during a complete turn of the rod ; if the tip is inclined 

 to stick out at an angle during the rolling process it 

 signifies a bad spot some place. 



Now put a reel and line on the rod, run the line 

 through the guides and tip-top and fasten the end of 

 the line to some heavy object. Then put a strain on 

 the rod and note its curve. When you release the 

 strain the tip should fly back to normal with speed and 

 snap and a good rod should stand this test from every 

 angle. 



Finally, make a few imaginary casts with the rod 

 and note if it feels right in your hand. If it does you 

 have tested it as much as possible under the circum- 



