RODS. 23 



bamboo, but if he cannot put plenty of money into it he will 

 be wise to select a solid wood rod, for he is more likely to get 

 a good greenheart or lancewood rod at from three to five 

 dollars than a good split bamboo at twice as much. 



The illustration showing the construction of a split 

 bamboo rod and the cross section of bamboo and wood rods 

 shows plainly why a built up rod, if well made, is stronger 

 than a solid wood rod. In the bamboo rod the grain parallels 

 the center on every side. For this reason it must have equal 

 strength and backbone, and the same action, no matter which 

 way it is turned. In addition to this the material composing 

 it is harder and stronger than any wood. The solid wood 

 rod has the grain running directly across the strip, all in 



Construction of Split Bamboo and Solid Wood Rods. 



the same direction as shown. It is bound to be unequal in 

 action as the rod is turned, and less strong than the bamboo. 

 One New York City firm is making rods of what is 

 called steel vine. They claim it to be a very strong material 

 and the rods are built up of six strips, the same as the bam- 

 boo, but are rounded afterwards instead of being left in 

 the hexagonal form. 



The only other rod material of importance is steel. Steel 

 rods are in general use and quite popular for bait fishing. 

 Steel is especially well liked for the short rods made for 

 the new style bait-casting. The greatest advantage of the 

 steel rod is that it does not warp or set, but always hangs 

 true. Steel rods are of course hollow but for all of that they 

 are heavier than other rods, usually. They will stand more 

 abuse than any other rod. 



