The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1917-08-30
STEEL HAIr.cAsTlNc RODS.

My Dear Buck:
Well, old scout, we now come to that
part Of the tackle outfit that has
caused more argument than the Eu-
ropean war, by which we refer to the
steel rod VS.. the split bamboo. There
are a lot Of anglers that swear by
the split-bamboo rod and look with
horror on the steel rod. These split
bamboo purists are considerably in
the minority, however, as can be cas-
In use at any camp or resort in the
game-fishing country. Personally, old
man, when it comes to downright class
to rod, you certainly must place
the blue ribbon on the split-bamboo. It
is first choice of materials, being light,
springy and considerably active, but
in the hands of a beginner it sure
stands a mighty fine chance Of break
ing If he hooks onto a real live wire
Of the weedy waters.
Steel a Sturdy Worker.
The steel rod naturally is little
heavier than the split-bamboo, al
though the slight difference in weight
is not enough to put your casting arm
in sling after days casting. It has
plenty of backbone; at the same time
has enough action to make it fine
caster without the whippiness Of the
split-bamboo. For tossing out the
heavier artificial lures it Is in a class
by itself. 1t is sturdy strong rod
that can be depended on to pump"
fighting bass out Of the weeds with
out giving you heart failure over won
dering whether 1t will hold or not. BY
this, old man, do not take it that 1t Is
only a good rod for rough work, han
died with the skill of an expert 1t
makes as fine fishing tool as any rod.
1t may not be as speedy in action as
the split-bamboo, but as a buying
proposition for the beginner, dollar
for dollar, you will get better rod
in steel in the lower-priced rods than
you will in either the split-bamboo or
solid woods.
The steel rod does not require much
care, being husky tool, about all that
is necessary to keep it in f1rst-class
shape is to wipe it dry after using, and
oil occasionally in order to avoid rust.
It is always ready for use and you
never have to bother with frayed wind
ings, cracked varnish or warped joints.
You will never make mistake If you
include steel rod in your kit, in fact
if you are going into the woods far
from your tackle supply as safety
first" tote a steel bait-caster. The gen.
eral construction of the steel rod is
three-piece with short handle, and the
fact that the ferrules, which are mere
ly band of bronze, are built right into
the rod, overcomes the weakness Of the
three-piece split-bamboo. 1t is the
most satisfactory rod of the three-piece
construction. There is one little old
veteran steel rod up in the North
woods which started its bait-casting
life as a five-footer some six years
ago. A number Of breaks and acci-
dents have reduced it to trifie below
four feet. The guides have been re-
soldered a number of times, the enamel
has passed away, yet this old pal Of a
rod made 31h-pound musky come up
to the gait, without a culver in it's short
length, and at that it's still good for
many cast. Wonderful strides have
been made in the steel-rod end Of the
game, and it's here to stay, as shown
by its popularity on the fishing waters
anywhere, and If you get good one
you can feel sure that it will be there
with the goods when you hook your
big one, excellent for learning the
game, and, in fact, fine rod for any
time.
Solid Wood Rods.
Of the solid woods for bait-casting
rods hollywood takes first place. 1t
is a wonderful resilient wood, at
the same time tough and strong. 1t
makes a mighty fine rod, but for the
average fisherman the price is so high
that It's Just on the top shelf out OF
reach.
Bethabara Is more commonly
known material of the solid-wood fam
lily, and you can get fine rod Of this
wood for $40 that will make hand
some appearance and give you a cast
err that will more than satisfy you. The
bethabara rod Is a livelier caster;
It is tough enough to stand hard ham
ding, although careless use may warp
It.
A close second in casting power,
strength and resiliency comes green
heart, and this wood is far lighter
than bethabara, thus the rods Of green
heart are considerably thicker than
those of bethabara and not any heav-
Ter. Good greenheart rods can be
bought for Sc and up.
OF the solid woods. Lakewood is by
far the cheapest and some years ago
had quite following, however you will
see few in use today. 1t has tend
ency to warp under strain, and even
atmospheric changes will have a no.
ticeable effect on it.
DIXIE.