TACKLE (Continued) : Page 58

Care and Repair

The chief merit of the steel rod is that it requires little care and stands much abuse. Bare spots should be touched up with enamel when they appear to guard against rust and the rod should be wiped, preferably with an oily rag, before being put away and the ferrules should be kept oiled. Otherwise a steel rod will take care of itself. Wood rods are inclined to dry rot and to warp or become crooked and they should be kept well varnished at all times — which protects them from changes of temperature and moisture.

The principal objection to the bamboo rod is that it requires care. A good bamboo rod should not be used for trolling or for strip, slack line, Lake Greenwood or pump pole casting. If you want to use these fishing methods get a cheap wood or steel rod for the purpose.