REPAIR KITS AND METHODS 137 



ferrule, but it can be replaced with a new one later. 

 Many an angler has no doubt noticed that after 

 some years of use his rod becomes soft and char- 

 acterless, and has perhaps thrown it away as "worn 

 I out." Had he examined the ends of the joints, re- 

 moving the ferrules, the chances are that he would 

 have found the sections without glue for two or three 

 inches. Just remove ferrules, re-glue, using the best 

 glue procurable, or even rod cement on a pinch, re- 

 place ferrules and the rod will be as good as new. 

 Probably the condition of the rod came about in the 

 first place through lack of attention in the matter of 

 shellac. I do not remember ever seeing the matter 

 mentioned in the outdoor press and for that reason 

 give it here, feeling sure that the fraternity will 

 thank me for the information. 



Probably no single repair requires as much skill, 

 patience and forethought as a splice. Fortunate it is 

 that seldom the rod breaks where a splice is neces- 

 sary or possible; as already mentioned, nine times 

 out of ten joints break close up to the ferrule, where 

 the wood can be removed. When a rod breaks in 

 the middle of a joint it has happened to me just 

 once there is but one thing to do until a new joint 

 can be secured, splice. A good splice can not be 

 ade hastily or without tools. Get away from the 

 water and its enticements. Forget all about fishing. 

 This is absolutely essential to a good job. Remove 

 the windings for at least five inches 2 ^ either side 



