REPAIR KITS AND METHODS 133 



the sooner we submit to her tutelage, the quicker we 

 will have our lessons learned. I mean simply this, 

 we must learn how to repair worn, damaged and 

 broken tackle, by repairing, so we must to work at 

 once. No matter if our first efforts are somewhat 

 crude and unsatisfactory; in time skill will come. 



I will begin with the more simple operations, con- 

 cluding with that somewhat difficult feat, splicing a 

 broken joint. Perhaps the most simple repair is 

 re-varnishing or re-shellacing. The angler should 

 understand that the purpose of shellac and varnish 

 is not simply to add to the appearance of the rod, 

 but to render the joints impervious to moisture. 

 Once let water seep in between the sections of a split- 

 bamboo and it is only a question of time when the 

 rod will break. There is no item in the care of 

 tackle of greater importance than this keep the rod 

 well varnished. Buy the shellac and varnish from 

 reputable rod makers or tackle dealers only. The 

 best is none too good. Do not unless somewhat ex- 

 perienced, attempt to make your own shellac. If you 

 must buy varnish of other than tackle dealers, get 

 the very best coach varnish. There are two ways of 

 proceeding, either you can remove all the windings, 

 sand-paper the rod smooth, using at the last only the 

 finest of sand-paper, finishing up with silk cloth or 

 tissue paper; or you may, probably will, apply the 

 shellac and varnish over the old windings. See to it, 



