218 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



This rod has a true and gradual taper from the reel- 

 seat to the tip, which gives it a back, which, while just 

 stiff enough for casting a minnow, is sufficiently pliable 

 and yielding to give a correct working to the rod under 

 the play of a lively fish. And just here is where so many 

 rods fail. Many rods are made too weak in the butt, or 

 the upper two-thirds of it, usually by a rapid and concave 

 taper to reduce the caliber of the rod at this point, in 

 order to gain lightness. But this can only be done at 

 the expense of weakening the rod, and spoiling its action. 



When a rod has too weak a back, or too slender a butt 

 at this point, it causes the rod to be top-heavy, and pro- 

 duces what is known as a " double action " in the rod, or 

 a "kick in the handle;" qualities which were sought for 

 in some Salmon fly-rods in the old country, as it was sup- 

 posed that a fly could be cast farther with rods of this 

 character. But it was necessary that the angler should 

 become thoroughly educated in the handling of a rod with 

 this peculiarity, to be enabled to use it with any degree 

 of satisfaction. 



However much this principle may have been desired by 

 British Salmon fishers, it becomes the very worst feature 

 in a Black Bass minnow rod. With this defect in a bait 

 rod, it is impossible to cast with any accuracy, or to any 

 great distance. And, moreover, it produces in the angler 

 a lack of confidence in his rod, for it " feels weak" to him 

 at the very point where it should feel the strongest, and 

 really the rod would give way at just this very point under 

 a heavy strain. 



But, to refer to my rod again : I can easily cast a min- 

 now from forty to fifty yards, and with great accuracy, 

 with this rod, the back being just stiff and yielding 



