Field & Stream Tips: Repair a Cracked Fishing Rod in Three Steps

• There's noworse sound to an angler than a lead split shot or jig slapping your graphiterod, since it's usually followed by the ringing of a cash register as you forkover big bucks for a replacement. The same goes for a cracked ferrule in atakedown rod. The good news: A single crack can be repaired simply andcheaply.

[STEP 1] If the crack is near a guide wrap, gently cut through the epoxy finish with arazor blade and remove the old thread. Sand away burrs around the damage andscore the finish with 300-grit sandpaper. Tape the rod at both sides of thecrack, leaving ½ inch on each side. Start wrapping size 00 thread around therod, overlapping the tag end.

[STEP 2] Make a simple rod jig out of a 2x4, then sandwich the thread running to thespool between two heavy books to maintain even tension, and spin the rod tocontinue wrapping tightly over the tag end.

[STEP 3] While maintaining tension, wrap most of the crack. When there are only five orsix wraps left to make, take a piece of mono and make a loop, laying it on therod. Continue to tightly wrap over the loop. Hold the last turn in place, cutthe thread, and run the end through the mono loop. Holding the cut end in onehand, draw the opposite end of the loop, pulling the line through the wraps.Tighten and trim.

[STEP 4] Mix 5-minute epoxy and quickly apply it around the threaded wrap. Nail polishwill also work. Apply a second coat, let it dry overnight, remove the tape, andgo fishing.