Fishing Eods. 127 



CHAPTER IX. 



FISHING EODS. 



"And now, scholar! I think it will be time to repair to our 

 angle-rods." — Izaak Walton. 



The first and most important article in the angler's 

 outfit is the rod ; it takes precedence of every other tool or 

 implement in his armamentarium. A thoroughly good and 

 well-balanced rod is the angler's especial joy and pride. 

 A true and tried rod of graceful proportions and known 

 excellence, which has been the faithful companion on 

 many a jaunt by mountain stream, brawling river, or quiet 

 lake, and has taken its part, and shared the victory in 

 many a struggle with the game beauties of the waters, at 

 last comes to be looked upon as a tried and trusty friend, 

 in which the angler reposes the utmost confidence and reli- 

 ance, and which he regards with a love and afEection that 

 he bestows upon no other inanimate object. 



I doubt if rifle, shot-gun, or fowling-piece ever becomes 

 so dear and near to the sportsman as the rod to the angler, 

 for the rod really becomes a part of himself, as it were, 

 through which he feels every motion pi the fish when 

 hooked, and which, being in a measure under the control 

 of his will, and responsive to the slightest motion of his 

 wrist, seems to be imbued with an intelligence almost life- 

 like. 



The essential qualities of a fishing rod, are balance, 

 strength, elasticity, pliancy, and lightness, and in its con- 

 struction such a wood, or combination of woods, must be 

 used as will best subserve these conditions. The natural 

 cane, or reed pole, when it is of good and true taper, is 



