FIXING A BROKEN FISHING ROD GUIDE

Replacing broken fishing guides is a common problem most anglers will face at some point or another. This video is a quick guide to replacing them at home using some basic equipment. If you have never tackled a guide replacement before, I would say practice on a rod that you don’t care about, just to gain a bit of confidence and see if you can pull it off. If you have a good quality rod to repair or something with a bit of sentimental value then it may be worth contacting a professional rod builder and let them do their magic. Things on the internet generally look easier than they should.

The hardest part of the whole gig is finding a matching guide especially if you have never bought guides. The easiest way to do this is to head down to the fishing tackle shop with your rod and see what they have in stock. You can physically compare guides and maybe get a bit of help from the staff. Another great option is to take some good close up photos with you phone or camera, measure some dimensions and post to an online fishing forum or facebook group. They generally have rod repair or custom rod building groups and often people are more than happy to help. Finally if you are feeling brave buy a selection box set of guides online and see if one fits, that's what I did and struck lucky.

For thread I used a black D grade nylon rod whipping thread, you may be able to pick this up at the tackle shop or cheaply online.

I used a two part rod finishing epoxy that has a working time of about 40 minutes, and cures in about a day. Small preloaded syringes rather than large bottles can also be found online or in good tackle shops.

I used some homemade rod rests cut from some 3” x 1” softwood to make working on the rod easier. You can tie and resin rods just in your hands, but it is far easier to have some kind of rest.

The second and third coats of resin do need to be rotated so the resin doesn’t sag and pool on one side of the rod. This again can be done by rotating the rod by hand every couple of minutes but it is going to take a few hours before the resin thickens up enough to stop running. You can buy rotating rod racks online but again I made one from a microwave motor I bought online and used a bit of tube to attach it to the rod.

For sanding between coats I used 600 grit wet and dry paper and to cover things up, masking tape.

Have fun

[ironix]

I've been fixing my own rings for over forty years and I remembered that it took a few goes to get it just right. This is the first video that shows the process, it in its simplicity and entirety. All key areas were shown and performed correctly. Excellent video.

[djmossssomjd]

I built a few rods 40 odd years ago and the satifaction of making them, then catching fish on them is immeasurable. Always a pleasure to see your take on these jobs. I used dope to tighten the whippings then 2 or 3 coats of poly varnish to finish off. Don't be a stranger, always room for a handmade fishermans video :-)

[SudheendraRao]

wow! the ingenuity and simple things that are used (i am blown away by the use of coke can bottom to mix super glue!!) and interesting cuts in the videos (thread roll sliding), superb. you have a knack!

[slottygwwvw]

In a world where milenials identifies as a toaster are still people like this man that works with his hands and creates

[GeoALaPeche]

Best notification of the day. Pleased to see you back !

[lildevilchild]

Wow this brought back memories. When I was a kid. My dad owning his own fishing store which he named Willey & son's. I used to build custom graphite rods in the back like this. People would pick out their own colors. Eyelets. Length and so on. Now that I'm 37 and just got back in to fishing because I have kids of my own now. I wish I had all the stuff I did back then 😆

[meatballspear]

This video was one of the most satisfying videos I’ve seen in a while. A true professional. Thanks for sharing!!

[simonknine]

I replaced the guide on my rod after watch one of your old video..
First time and really happy with the result. Thanks

[markgrauel]

Love the content as always. Turned me into a lure builder. The quality of your filming is amazing

[lelandshanks]

Been doing this over 35 years, I have 2 say I love the can for epoxy NICE!

[Herrragend]

For years i saw you making a lure. I was so impressed and started to do it either! So happy to see an new video

[oldgold]

Wow, here is a blast from the past. Hope you are well. Please make more videos, they are always a great watch.

[Hossa]

I’ve long awaited this day 😂 Welcome back good sir 👍🏼

[simonhopkins]

Right lads Get him. We can't let him escape again. 😉
Welcome back buddy 👍🏻

[tcrenegade]

Im very familiar with fishing rods repairs but thoroughly enjoyed this from the production value alone. Keep it up! Love seeing you back!

[peterschafer]

Gentle and relaxing as always. And of course very informative 😉
Thank you, Paul!

[bobk.]

This morning I was getting my gear together for a upcoming trip. I noticed a broken eye. Found this video and ultimately replaced the broken eye. Thx!!

[datdudenosense]

I can't tell you how satisfying this video is....

[rickfazzini]

Top notch repair and impeccable filming what a pro!

[arthurdirindinjr]

Excellent well done DIY video
Never in 50+ years of fishing (knock on wood) have I even moderately damaged an eye guide.
But I have broken off more than a few rod tips and broken rods in half.
I do not buy cheap rods so I fix them if at all humanly possible
On a broken rod if the brake is at area the ID is big enough I will first snad down the broken haves ends till they are perfectly flat then I will LIGHTLY epoxy in place a solid section of high modulus graphite on the inside to splice the ends back together taking care to have the ends touching and a graphite sleeve over both haves on the outside of the rod lightly epoxied in place
I also try to buy rods with a great warranty but I will not discard a $100-$200 fishing rod unless I have zero choice
I have had several titanium eye guide inserts come out but thankfully all have been in the guide on the rod tip so I just heat up removed the tip eye guide and glue a new one in place