The Outfit Rods. 25 



CHAPTER II. 



THE OUTFIT RODS. 



LET us suppose that the advertisement and correspond- 

 ence have done their work, and that a good fishing has 

 been secured. 



The next thing in order is to procure the outfit neces- 

 sary to render the fishing-privilege available. The rod, 

 being the most important element, claims first attention. 



To the selection of this implement the angler cannot 

 give too much care and attention. A poor rod is like a 

 tight boot. The unhappy possessor is never at ease until 

 he has thrown it into the ash-heap, .or passed it over to 

 some other unfortunate. 



If a rod for trout-fishing was in view, no American 

 angler of the slightest experience would dream of buying 

 any but an American rod, or of being influenced in its 

 selection by any foreign work on angling. But so little, 

 comparatively, has been done and said on salmon-fishing 

 in this country, and so much in Great Britain, that the 

 American angler is apt to turn to and be guided by 

 English authorities. He will read of rods eighteen, nine- 

 teen, and twenty feet long. Well may he groan when 

 he thinks of brandishing such a weaver's beam all the 

 livelong day, and question whether he would not find 

 sawing wood equally beneficial and far less laborious. 



In the matter of fishing-rods, I cannot but think the 



