FISHING TACKLE— WHAT TO SELECT 8Y 



adapted for fishing-rod purposes are bamboo, green- 

 heart, bethabara, and lancewood, and at the same 

 time should be mentioned the latest creation, the 

 steel rod. Although all of the woods referred to are 

 used in England, greenheart and lancewood are the 

 especial favorites. The English makers do use fer- 

 rules in making their joints, but they much prefer 

 the wound joint as being stronger, inasmuch as it 

 bends equally with the rod. There is no question 

 but that such a joint has its advantages, the one dis- 

 advantage being the length of time it takes to wind 

 or unwind it. An English salmon rod of greenheart 

 with wound joints is absolutely the best rod to be had 

 for the purpose, lasting a lifetime; and this is true 

 also of their other rods of ten ounces and heavier. 



Anglers to-day demand light rods, either for fly 

 or bait fishing, and for trolling as well. Four to 

 eight ounces for fly casting, eight to ten ounces for 

 bait fishing and trolling, are the weights usually 

 called for. Split bamboo is the favorite wood, with 

 bethabara next, and lancewood and greenheart fol- 

 lowing. Split bamboo rods can be bought at all 

 prices, ranging from a cheap machine-made article at 

 $1.50 to the finest hand-made at $45. While excel- 

 lent rods of this kind which have lasted for years, 

 have been bought at a low price ; to secure absolute 

 satisfaction one must pay at least $15 to $25. Split 



