Rods

Fishing rods are now usually made from the bamboo, the Calcutta reed, or of ash wood, as it is necessary they should be made light, tough, and pliable.

The butts are frequently made of maple, with bored bottom; and this butt will outlast several tops. Rods for travelers are made in joints, so as to be easily transported. Some of them are made to be used as a walking cane until needed for sport.

A perfect rod should gradually taper from end to end, be tight in all its joints, and be equally and uniformly pliable, not bending in one place more than another. The different lengths of rods required in fishing are mentioned in describing the tackle used in catching different fish. It is therefore only necessary to say that they vary from 12 to 20 feet in length.