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Testing

To really know what one is buying he should rig the rod up with reel and line and actually cast with it. For this reason I prefer to buy from a small tackle shop where I am known and where the owner will per­mit me to take a rod home and give it a try-out. That is the real way to buy a rod but it is not always possible.

In buying a wood rod do not get one that is stained which hides imperfection of grain. Examine it care­fully for bad spots. In buying any rod hold it out straight and " sight" along its length. It should droop a trifle at the tip; if the dip is extreme try an­other as this fault will increase when the rod is put into use. A tip may be a trifle too stiff in a new rod as use will remedy that. If the rod is satisfactory so far slowly roll it over — the, droop should remain constant during a complete turn of the rod; if the tip is inclined to stick out at an angle during the rolling process it signifies a bad spot some place.

Now put a reel and line on the rod, run the line through the guides and tip-top and fasten the end of the line to some heavy object. Then put a strain on the rod and note its curve. When you release the strain the tip should fly back to normal with speed and snap and a good rod should stand this test from every angle.

Finally, make a few imaginary casts with the rod and note if it feels right in your hand. If it does you have tested it as much as possible under the circumstances. It is better to take a little care in selecting a rod in the first place than to try to " get used to it" later on if you find it not up to your ideal.

Related terms include salt water fly fishing and colorado fly fishing.