How To Repair Fishing Rod (s) Tip Tops:

How to repair fishing rod tip tops, if you’ve broken your pole towards the tip. It’s a relatively easy fix. First, stabilize the part that is broken in a fixed vise. Note* Do not clamp the bare piece without wrapping a soft cloth around the part that will be in the vise. You do not want to mar the finish. Then, take a fine tooth saw such as a hack saw and cut the broken part evenly so that the tip-top component will fit securely. Tip-top repair kits or individual tops can be found on-line or at any local tackle dealer.

Then, lightly sand with 120 grit paper making sure that the edges are smooth. Now you will need a sizing tool which can be purchased along with the required part needed. Before gluing make sure your tip fits snug but not too tightly. Using a heated glue gun works perfectly here, but, there are other methods and products that work, as well.

Now, put a small dab of glue at the end of the dressed part. Place the tip on at about 90 degrees offset, press gently on, seating it, then rotate to an upright position lined up with the line guides. This will ensure that the glue is equally applied. Wipe off any excess glue and there you have it.

Keep in mind, however, if the break is more than 3 inches down from your tip-top guide, obviously, the length and sensitivity will diminish on your pole. You might want to replace the whole section.

How To Repair Fishing Rod(s)(when it’s a 2-piece pole.) If you feel adept enough at repairing your own pole, solutions are many. And, there are several fine instructional guides available on the topic or you can get a free instructional "how to guide" provided compliments of Gudebrod.

With a 2-piece rod, if you have elected to replace the part that's broken. Then your parts needed is the matching rod blank, matching rod line guides, ferrule, glue, matching wrapping thread, rod finishing and color preserver for your wrapping thread. When purchasing your blank, make sure it's of the same sensitivity. i.e. medium, light, ultra-light, etc. Also, you'll need to find the blanks spline. This is relatively easy. Place the butt of the blank on the ground, cupping you hand, place it on the tip and start pressing down. The blank may rotate a tad. Once it stops, mark a place on the top of the bend. That is where you'll place you guides.

Guide spacing is not rocket science. Recommended spacing is located in the aforementioned web site. However, after you've taped them on test it out by placing a reel on the seat and running line through to a fixed object. Raise the pole to see how the guides work. Make adjustments accordingly. You can even add a guide if you so choose to get the right look and feel.

How To Repair Fishing Rod(s)(when it’s a 1-piece pole.) A one piece pole, is different, in that, you can elect to use a sleeve from a custom rod blank that matches, however, it does change the rods action and sensitivity. Rod blank sleeves can be bought or you can cut your own off a pole that you no longer use. When using this method of repair, you'll at least get to keep this rod in your arsenal of favorites.

Likewise, you'll be able to use much of the same parts from your old one or buy new. The choice is yours. Threads can be cut off with an exacto knife and tip top usually can be heated and pulled off with pliers.

*Note here when cutting a 1-piece repair sleeve that the sleeve should be no longer then 6 inches. Using a vise and, wrapping a soft cloth around the clamped area, cut the jagged edges off your existing pole evenly and sand edges smooth with 120 grit paper. If you cut a sleeve off an old pole, prepare as well.

Then lay the new rod blank sleeve next to the dressed part. Slide the sleeve over so it fits 3 inches and snug onto the prepared part. You may have to cut the other blank so it will slide into the sleeve. You want to maintain 3 inches on both sides, making sure not to cut off too much. Once you have a good fit, you will require epoxy rod finish to complete the repair. Once dried and set up, you can now start replacing your line guides. As mentioned earlier, use masking tape.

So there you have it in a nut shell. As I said earlier, there are many places to purchase the required components. If you have any questions feel free to contact this author.

As always good luck and good fishing.