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Modern fishing poles are built tough, but accidents can still happen. Fixing a broken fishing rod is easier than you might think. Whether your rod has snapped, a guide has come loose, or the tip is broken, you can handle the repairs yourself with just a few basic tools. For example, you can mend a break by using a fibreglass pole and some glue, which will help the rod look and feel almost new. If a guide is damaged, you can replace it with a new one. Changing a broken tip is also a simple fix. With a little time and effort, you’ll have your fishing pole ready to go again in no time.
Mending a Snapped Fibreglass Rod
1. Trim and Smooth Broken Rod Ends: If the rod has a clean break, smooth the ends so they fit together readily using 180- or 220-grit sandpaper. If the edge of your fishing rod is jagged, cut the sharp edges off of the end of the rod using a pair of scissors so the pieces run flush. Use sandpaper to smooth out the edges and grit the surface following your cut.
2. Measure Rod Circumference for a Perfect Fit: Find out how big the Fishing pole is around. Wrap a bendy tape measure around the end of your broken fishing rod. Then, check to see if the other part of your fishing rod is thinner by measuring its circumference. Do you not have a flexible measuring tape? You can also find out how wide the rod is by measuring both broken ends.
3. Cut Fiberglass Pole for Internal Support: When choosing a fibreglass pole, choose one with a circumference about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (0.32 to 0.64 cm) smaller than parts of a fishing pole. Cut a 12 in (30 cm) section of the pole with a hacksaw to fit inside your fishing rod and support it without breaking.
4. Insert the Fiberglass Pole for a Snug Fit: Place the fibreglass pole in the rod without letting it slide too far if you hold the rod horizontally. With the handle, push one end of the fibreglass pole into the end of the rod. Slide the pole into the fishing rod one more time until the end. Wrap the pole in duct or masking tape to make it thicker if it doesn't fit snugly inside the fishing rod.
5. Apply Epoxy to Secure the Fiberglass Pole: Open your two-part epoxy and lad it into a bowl. On the exposed end of the fibreglass pole, lightly cover with epoxy using a paintbrush. Work quickly once the two-part epoxy is mixed so it doesn't set or dry before you rejoin your rod.
6. Reassemble the Rod and Let It Dry: Slide the rod pieces onto the fibreglass pole, ensuring alignment. Push them together, flush, smooth excess epoxy, and let it dry overnight. Wrap with electrical tape for extra security.
Also Read: Broken Fishing Rod? Here’s How to Repair It Quickly and Effectively
Replacing a Rod Guide
1. Remove the Broken Guide and Adhesive: Remove any threading around the rod guide using a razor blade or craft knife. If difficult, heat the area with a lighter for 3-4 seconds to loosen the adhesives. Peel off the tape and unwind the threading until the old guide comes off. Avoid heating the rod for too long, and avoid cutting into it with a razor to prevent damaging it.
2. Preparing the Rod and Guide for Reattachment: To replace a fishing rod, use 120- or 220-grit sandpaper to remove adhesive and add tooth. Rub the sandpaper around the rod's spot and the guide's foot.
3. Aligning and Securing the New Guide: To align the new guide foot with the other guides, press it onto the rod and wrap it with masking tape for secure attachment. Super glue can be used, but it may be difficult to move or readjust once set.
4. Thread Wrapping to Secure the Guide: Wrap your guide onto a rod using any thread, looping it around the rod 1⁄2-3⁄4 inch from the guide's foot. Maintain tension and wind the thread tightly, ensuring it doesn't overlap with loops and is flush with one another. Remove the tape from the foot you've wrapped everything below.
5. Inserting a Loop for Finishing the Wrap: To wrap a fishing line, stop winding the thread around the pole when it is 1/8 inch from the circular part of the guide. Cut a 6 inch long loop and place it on top of the wrapping, ensuring it sticks out near the guide.
6. Securing the Thread with a Loop Pull: Stop wrapping when you get to the end. Cut the thread you used and thread it through the middle of the loop. Take the other end of the looped piece and pull it down and away from the guide.
Changing a Rod Tip
1. Loosening the Tip Top with Heat: To remove a broken rod, set the rod horizontally and heat the tip top of the rod with a lighter for 4-5 seconds. Pull the tip off with pliers or hand, adjusting the heat if necessary. If the tip snapped, remove the old tip top.
2. Preparing Rod Cement for Tip Top Installation: Cut rod cement strips to fit your new tip top. Rod cement, a solid block of adhesive, holds guides and tips on fishing rods. Cut small strips of rod cement with a razor or craft knife to fit inside your rod tip top's hollow chamber.
3. Melting Rod Cement for Tip Top Attachment: Hold the tip top with pliers, add rod cement, and heat with a lighter to attach.
4. Attaching and Aligning the Tip Top: While the cement is hot, slide and align the tip top with guides. Wipe excess, let set for 1-2 hours. Reheat if needed.
Conclusion
Fixing broken parts of a fishing pole can be simple and easy with the right tools and know-how. Whether you’re repairing damaged guides, a cracked blank, or a snapped tip, the satisfaction of a successful repair will enhance your next fishing experience. So, when your rod breaks, why not take action and restore it yourself?
