Accidents can happen when we least expect it, especially on the water. One of the most common accidents in fishing is a broken rod. Whether it’s a guide or the tip, rods seem to endure a lot of punishment. A broken piece doesn’t mean you have to buy a new rod, however. In fact, there are kits and components to repair a rod available at any outdoor retailer, and all it takes to make repairs on the fly is a little time and some patience.
Alright, so your rod got a minor boo-boo. No worries. The most important thing is to not get frustrated and damage the rod further out of anger. Take a moment, take a breath, and assess the damage before going further.
If it’s just the tip, even a few inches, then it’s not that big of a deal. Simply take the rod to your nearest outdoor retail store and find the rod tip repair kits. It helps to bring the rod so you know what size tip you’ll need. To replace the tip, you’ll need a replacement and some glue, which you’ll melt and apply to the rod. Be sure to make as clean of a break as you can without losing too much more of the rod itself and apply the melted glue around the tip itself. Then carefully attach the replacement guide, making sure that it’s aligned straight, and hold it in place until the glue dries. Then, most tips will require you to heat the rubber wrapping in order to better secure it to the rod. If you’re hesitant on doing the job yourself, most fishing associates are knowledgeable on the process and will be glad to help out.
If it’s a guide along the rod itself that needs to be replaced, then the process is just as simple. First, cut the thread holding the guide in place and remove it completely. Place the replacement rod in position and then rewrap it tightly. Finally, apply epoxy or lacquer to hold it in place and allow it to dry. There are several guides to choose from, and most come in complete kits.
Of course, there are repairs that simply cannot be made on our own, and require the aid of a professional. If your rod is broken completely in half, I suggest either buying a new one, unless the rod is still under warranty. Furthermore, most retailers will be happy to replace it, but be sure you have the receipt and it’s within a reasonable amount of time from the date of purchase. Each retailer is different, though, so don’t quote me on that.
Repairing a broken tip or guide yourself can be a rewarding experience in itself. Often times, it’s so much cheaper to buy a tip for a few bucks, rather than replace the rod altogether. While some damages can’t be remedied, the most common injuries that fishing rods incur are easy fixes that require nothing more than a moment of frustration and a quick trip to the store.
