NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => General Fishing Topics => Topic started by: bugmannj on October 16, 2009, 09:02:49 PM
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recently more of the older rods are being repaired. I have repaired lots and lots of rods where the cost of the repair was substantially more than what it would have been to replace the rod with a far better one. Sentimentality is usually involved here and I have no quarrel with that, as long as all the facts are given beforehand. The repairman must present all the facts of the poor economics of such, and the repairee must understand this.
Quite a few of the older rods are also being "re-worked" or "re-furbished", and the expertise necessary to properly accomplish this job falls within the repair category. Once a guy has fished with the same rod for 30 years, caught many a memory and developed a feel for that particular stick - he doesn't want to hear all the hype about the reel seat being rusty and loose, that the handle is squishy and half gone, the guides mostly taped or glued on. These things are irrelevant. He even goes with family and friends to local sports shops and handles literally dozens of new modern rods of a similar makeup - but nothing FEELS right. Then he learns about this guy that can make the old rod new again - at about twice the price of those he looked at in the shop!
So if you have a rod you just can't part with, I'll be up front with you and then you decide how you want to proceed.
As for graphite and composite rods most of the makers of these rods will replace them if broken. So check with them before you decide to repair the rod. Of course, I'm always available to help you.
Larry
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Had customer come to me today with 3 rods that He wants refurbished. 2 Wooden handle, fiberglass boat poles that were well taken care of. they are in need of new wraps and epoxy. No problem, except that He wanted the guides on a 9' 2 piece surf rod changed to casting guides instead of spinning.
This is not possible unless I strip the entire rod, replace the handle and reel seat and re-spine the rod. It's not worth it. He can buy a brand new rod for less than what it would cost to do this.
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Some people just don't care how they spend their money.
As you said, be up front with them and let them know the cost factor to repair as opposed to replace...nothing wrong with rapairing. t^
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bugnannj, good to know that you can rejuvinate old rods. I've got alot of practice with old Penn Peels, I've lost count on how many I own, let alone the many other brands of antique reels in my collection, but I've never tried to repair a rod. I've got quite a few old bamboo, steel,& glass rods, and always come across some "in need of repair", that I pass up. I will keep you in mind, and might even learn a thing or two. t^ <'((((><
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If you are really interested in learning how to build or repair rods. Go to www.mudholetackle.com
they are holding a 2 day class in Edison in November. I think the cost is about $ 150.00 but for that you get to build your own rod, and you get all the needed equipment to build one. You get to keep everything.