APPENDIX 



ON 



EODS, LINES, HOOKS, AND OTHEE TACKLE, 



ACCORDING TO THE LATEST AUTHORITIES. 



BY H. G. B. 



RODS- 



THE GENERAL ROD, which is usually from 14 to 18 feet in length 

 with four, five, or six joints, and made of hickory, is a very con 

 venient one for the young practitioner, or for use in places where it 

 is uncertain what fish may present themselves. It is so extensive in 

 its capabilities, that nothing comes amiss to it ; and, if it does nothing 

 in the best manner, it will at least act very respectably in most kinds 

 of fishing, except that of throwing the fly, which, notwithstanding its 

 fly-top, it executes very indifferently. In this rod the various tops 

 three, four, or five, are contained in a hollow within the butt or stock, 

 which is closed by a cap, made to receive a spike. The butt has 

 also winch fittings, and the various joints, or pieces, are furnished 

 with rings throughout. In fact, the tyro cannot do better than provide 

 himself with one of these factotum articles, which are made very 

 portable ; and it is equally desirable to the traveller who has not an 

 opportunity of carrying more than one rod with him. The Londoners 

 generally use one 18 feet long, made of South Carolina cane. Ephemera 

 says that with a good general rod, having several tops, so that you 

 may shorten or lengthen it as occasion requires, you may successfully 

 angle for any species of river fish ; roach perhaps excepted, which require 

 a specific rod. As the aspirant advances, he will find the advantage of 

 providing himself with distinct rods for different kinds of fishing, it 

 being impossible to adapt one rod satisfactorily to all sorts of work. 



THE BAG ROD, properly so called, is little more than a light general 

 bottom rod, from 16 to 20, but usually about 19 feet, consisting of 

 six or seven pieces, including spare tops, packed in three cases, and 

 made either of bamboo or cane, the latter being preferable for roach 

 and light fishing, the former where more strength is required. It 

 generally has a strong top that fits into the fifth or sixth joint and 

 forms a trolling rod ; and sometimes a whalebone top, about ten inches 

 long, to fit in the small joint (instead of the roach top), for perch- 

 fishing and spinning a minnow. 



