Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Eric Bonneman
As an angler, it can be heartbreaking to experience the sickening crunch of a broken fishing rod. It is never easy, whether it happened accidentally or when you were fighting the fish of the season. Before you resign and begin to look for a new pole, it’s essential to identify if it is still salvageable or whether a replacement is necessary.
Let’s break down the distinctive damages that may have occurred on your fishing rod and decide if and how you should fix it or buy a new one. No one likes saying goodbye to their best buddy for catching fish, so let us see what we can do for your prized rod.
Assessing the Damage
Before deciding whether to replace or repair a fishing rod, it’s essential to assess the type and extent of the damage accurately. When determining the rod, keep an eye out for common damages that could prevent you from having an enjoyable day of fishing. Examples include a broken rod tip, missing or damaged line guides, and a cracked ferrule.
Fixing a broken rod tip can be frustrating. While it’s easier if the break happens far from the end of the rod, more severe damage close to the base can present a significant challenge. To ensure maximum performance, select a repair method tested and proven successful for other anglers. Luckily, there’s no shortage of resources offering detailed instructions on fixing a broken rod tip.
Fishing line guides are essential to ensuring a smooth and successful fishing day. Missing or damaged guides can severely impact your ability to be successful with that rod. While it’s more time-consuming and complicated than just replacing the rod, you can often repair the guide and salvage it for future use. Fine-grit sandpaper should do the trick if the inner ring is scratched. And if you require a complete replacement – by all means, go for it! Pop off the old covers, wrap up the new one with thread, and seal it with an epoxy coating, and that’s it.
Fixing a cracked ferrule can be tricky, so it’s best to attempt one only if you have the necessary tools and experience. If the crack is longer than half an inch, chances are that the rod needs to be replaced instead. But, when the fault is minor, there is still a way of getting around it. Carefully cut away any cracked parts of the ferrule before sanding and cleaning both surfaces. Applying a strong glue and wrapping with thread should complete the repair job successfully – If done correctly, this should give your rod a new lease of life!
Repair or Replace
With any fishing rod that has sustained damage, the first step is to assess just how bad it is. Depending on the degree of wear and what spare parts you can get your hands on, a repair job might be more economical in the long run than buying a new rod altogether. If you’re not fussed about salvage value and need a reasonably significant repair job done, then it might make more sense to go for a replacement.
It goes without saying that if you want to try your hand at doing the repairs yourself rather than taking it to a trusted specialist, you should only do so if you’re sure-footed with your tools and know-how enough for this kind of project. Otherwise, seek professional help if at all unsure – it may cost a little bit more out of pocket but could save you from further headaches.
Let Us Take A Look
St. Augustine and North Florida are home to some of the world’s best fishing and hunting grounds. With its year-round access to many fish and games, avid anglers come from near and far to take full advantage of this plentiful bounty. If the thrill of the hunt has left your gear in disarray, do not worry! The talented rod and reel techs at Avid Angler are here to provide quick repairs or reliable replacements for all your damaged equipment: from broken rod tips and damaged line guides to cracked ferrules; we’ve got you covered! Get back on the water quicker than ever —contact us today!
