190 Bass, Pike, and Perch 



resourceful reserve of an ounce or two for emer- 

 gencies. In any case it should not exceed ten 

 and one-half feet in length, if built on the modern 

 plan, where most of the pliancy is in its upper 

 two-thirds, the lower third being stiffish and 

 springy, constituting its backbone. A very good 

 rod can be constructed with ash butt, and lance- 

 wood, greenheart, or bethabara upper pieces, and 

 one that will be almost as light as split-bamboo, 

 and certainly more serviceable in the long run. 

 I would also advise flush, non-dowelled joints, 

 and reel-bands instead of a solid reel-seat, the lat- 

 ter being of no advantage and only adding to the 

 weight of the rod; moreover, it is now put on 

 the cheapest rods to make them sell. A plain 

 groove for the reel, with bands, is very much better. 



As a matter of course the line should be of 

 braided silk, enamelled, and suited to the weight 

 of the rod, as small as size G, but not larger than 

 size E. It may be level, but a tapered line is 

 better for casting, and is also better adapted for 

 the delicate leader that must be employed. 



A tapered leader six feet long is best, but 

 should not be shorter than four feet. It must be 

 made of the very best silkworm gut fibre, round, 

 clear, and unstained. The distal end should be 



