28 FISHING TACKLE 



be done without injuring it, for one cannot cast 

 accurately with a crooked rod. 



Another good plan is to fasten the crooked 

 tip or joint to a steel rod or to the edge of a 

 board that is straight. Wind over all with 

 tape or soft cord, being certain that the tip lies 

 true with the axis of the rod. 



If you happen to know a metal worker who 

 has an enamelling oven, ask permission to 

 u warm over " your rod in it. A temperature of 

 150 degrees F. will not harm it if the parts are 

 laid flat on one of the shelves or trays. Straight- 

 en the joints as soon as they are taken out of the 

 oven, then suspend them until they are cold. 

 An old split bamboo rod that has lost its 

 " ginger " may be improved by this treatment, 

 as the glue will be warmed slightly, and will 

 set again as the cane cools. The temperature 

 mentioned above will not affect the varnish 

 on the rod, but it is not well to go above that 

 point. 



With the rods all jointed up and in shape to 

 be examined and tried for faults, decide on 

 what changes or repairs, if any, should be 

 made by their maker, and do not delay plac- 

 ing such rods in his hand at once, if they re- 

 quire his expert skill. Rodmakers are human 

 and therefore likely to be less thorough when 



