REPAIR KITS AND METHODS 141 



but often they come off and must be replaced. The 

 modus operandi of replacing a tip-top is like unto 

 that of a ferrule. If the rod is broken short off 

 close up to the end of the tip-top ferrule, as is usually 

 the case, heating will ordinarily loosen sufficiently to 

 remove, but always the hot wire will burn out. It 

 will be necessary to pare down the wood slightly 

 before re-inserting; do it with utmost care, employ- 

 ing the file largely, or knife-blade as scraper. Do 

 not attempt to shave down lest the knife slip and 

 ruin the tip. Take my word for it and do not experi- 

 ment. If the tip-top itself is broken has happened 

 to me twice remove and replace with a spare one 

 which should be in the kit of every caster. Ordi- 

 narily casting rods are supplied with two tips, which 

 is as it should be, then if one breaks the angler need 

 not stop for repairs until he has ample leisure. The 

 point that I would make is that the caster should 

 know how to repair, even in the field if necessity 

 should so require. 



We have covered the ordinary repairs which a 

 caster will be called upon, to make, though any day 

 something may happen out of the ordinary; against 

 those accidents I have no word of advice. The 

 caster will of course always keep his hooks sharp, 

 that is understood, for penetration is needed in order 

 to impale a bass. He will also see to it that all his 

 lures are ship-shape, no blades bent or gimps out of 

 order. He may desire to make a few split buckshot, 



