How to Diamond Wrap a Fly Rod

The rod is the most precious piece of the fly-fishing setup. Achieve a custom wrap on your rods using a wrapping string and some tested tips. A diamond wrap has the string intersecting such that a diamond pattern appears throughout the wrap. Color choice is up to you. A custom wrapped rod is yet one more way of feeling an intimate bond with your gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly rod
  • String (colors of your choice)
  • Scissors or utility knife
  • Rod tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a small piece of rod tape and give one wrap of the wrapping string around the base end of the rod. Tape the string to the bottom end of the rod, going circularly around the butt end.

    • 2

      Pull the string so it stays tight and begin turning the rod so the string wraps around the end. Go up about 12 inches at the base of the rod with the string wraps, being sure to make a spiral pattern and not a parallel pattern around the rod.

    • 3

      Flip the wrap and bring it back down the rod. Make the spiral go in the opposite direction to the first wrap so the string begins to form a diamond pattern up and down the rod.

    • 4

      Repeat the up and down wraps as many times as needed to get the desired diameter on the grip.

    • 5

      Clip the string at the top of the wrap and clip a small piece of the rod tape to secure the string end to the rod.