How to Repair Fishing Rod Wraps

Wrappings on fishing rods hold the fishing line to the pole. The wrappings are made of a specially designed thread. The thread wraps around the guides and pole then it is sealed in place with a coat of varnish on bamboo or cane poles, or epoxy on metal, fiberglass and graphite rods. Over time, and with exposure to the elements, fishing rod wraps fray or break and you need to replace them.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking tape
  • Razor blade
  • Superfine steel wool
  • Clean cloth
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Rod varnish or epoxy
  • Detail paintbrush
  • Rubber bands
  • Rod wrapping thread
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap a piece of masking tape around the fishing rod immediately above and below the damaged wraps. Wrap the tape so the edge of the tape abuts the end of the wraps.

    • 2

      Cut the damaged wraps from the rod. Run a razor blade along the middle of the guide, from the eyelet to the end of the wrapping. Do not cut into the surface of the rod past the end of the guide. Pull the wrapping from the rod with the edge of a finger nail and remove the guide. Buff the area between the pieces of masking tape with superfine steel wool to remove any ridges of residual varnish or epoxy.

    • 3

      Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean cloth and wipe the surface of the rod. Allow the alcohol to evaporate. Apply a coat of varnish or epoxy, depending on rod material, to the buffed area of the rod with a small brush. Allow to dry to the touch.

    • 4

      Reposition the guide between the pieces of masking tape, setting the guide so the eyelet is in line with the eyelets of the other guides. Secure one end of the guide to the rod with a rubber band.

    • 5

      Tuck the end of the thread under the tip of the free end of the guide not held by the rubber band. Wrap the thread around the guide, working from the edge of the masking tape towards the eyelet. Coil the thread tightly around the guide, keeping each revolution of thread firmly against the previous wrap, without overlapping the thread. Stop wrapping the thread when it reaches the point on the guide where the base of the guide begins to taper up towards the eyelet.

    • 6

      Cut the thread with a pair of scissors. Push the loose end of the thread against the rod with your thumb. Apply three thin coats of varnish or epoxy to the new wrap. Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instruction between coats.

    • 7

      Remove the rubber band and repeat the procedure at the other end of the guide.