Fupil.— What do you think of this rod of mine for Pike 

 fishing ? It seems a nice rod and cost me thirty shillings, but 

 it makes my arms ache confoundedly. 



Professor. —It may well do so. It looks more like the mast 

 of a fishing smack than a fishing rod. Why, it can't be less than 

 eighteen feet, and it is as stifi" as a prop. I am very fond of 

 Angling, but if I were compelled to fish with such a rod as that, 

 I would soon tire of the sport. I have tried all sorts of rods, 

 but I have found none equal to the one I make myself. It is 

 twelve feet long, light and handy, and you may fish with it all 

 day with ease. It is in four parts, two made of lance wood and 

 two of red deal — the lance wood being, of course, used for the 

 top pieces ; the deal must be good and well seasoned, and then 

 nothing in the shape of a fish can break it. 



Fu^il. — "What do you tliink of this reel of mine ? It is a 

 brass multiplier and winds up very quick. 



Professor. — Tour rod and reel match very well. I once saw 

 a gentleman angling on the Thames with pne of those multiply- 

 ing reels. He was Eoach fishing, but happened to hook a Barbel 

 about three or four pounds weight — a game fish. Well, off he 

 went at a tangent, and I could plainly see what would follow, for 

 the reel could not give out the line fast enough and easy enough 

 for the fish, so snap it went, and float, tackle, and fish were lost. 

 Tou cannot have a reel too light or that runs too free. The 

 best is a four inch common wood reel, varnished to keep the rain 

 from swelling the wood — the only brass about it being the hoop 

 for fastening it to the rod. Brass inside and out adds to its 

 weight and lessens its utility. To cast a long line you must 

 have a free and easy running reel. 



Pupil. — Well, it appears neither rod nor reel will do. What 

 do you say to the line ? 



Professor. — Tour line is too thick, and made of silk and hair 

 — a mixture that I do not approve of. I suppose if you were 

 to hook a fish you would (depending upon the strength of your 

 line) pull him out at once, nolens volens. But let me tell you 

 there is neither art nor sport in that style of fishing. When a 



