16 FISHING TACKLE 



as well, to any angler to repair his own tackle, 

 and all through the active season he can make 

 mental notes of the changes which his experience 

 tells him he should make " next winter." 



The alterations made are those decided on 

 after long consideration, and half the pleasure 

 of accomplishment would be lost were someone 

 else allowed to do the tinkering planned for 

 winter pastime. The rodmaker can hardly do 

 these small jobs, for if minor changes must be 

 made by a professional, the chances are that 

 they will not be made at all, new articles being 

 purchased instead. One cannot as well explain 

 how he wants a thing done as to tinker it out 

 himself. And the tackle dealer who keeps re- 

 pair materials and fittings reaps his profit on 

 these articles in the dull season. 



The first thing to do is to lay out the entire 

 fishing kit and make a detailed survey and in- 

 ventory. If a new rod is decided on, write 

 down its specifications, while your ideas are 

 fresh, at the end of the season's fishing. Go 

 over the old rods and recall their faults, so that 

 the new one may be different. Then give the 

 order for the new one to your rodmaker, so 

 that he may have abundant time to fill the order 

 before his busy season comes on. You will be 

 much better satisfied with the rod he makes for 



