The taper design of a fishing rod.　A rod with a compound taper has a degree of taper that is not uniform along the entire rod.　It varies according to the portion of the rod.　The expression "straight taper" describes a rod where the taper is carried evenly along the length of the rod.　In the case of a fly rod, the portion near the tip is especially important, and therefore it is often built with a compound taper.　Various designs of compound taper are used according to the desired action of each rod.　In the case of a handmade bamboo rod, since the design of the taper influences the individuality of a rod, a builder must put creativity in his taper design.

　 Finally, the design of a compound taper is adjusted depending on the size of a fish, necessity of long cast, frequency of using thin tippet, and of course, on the angler's taste.

　 Antonym: straight taper

【Reference】Professional glass and split-bamboo rod building manual and manufacturer's guide, 1958 (1949).

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