If you are an avid angler, you will no doubt be able to turn your hand to repairs when necessary, especially if the fix needs to be done while out on a fishing trip. Things can, and often do, go wrong and if you have a little know-how and the right tools, there are many small repairs you can carry out unaided. Here is a step by step guide to repairing a rod tip, which will certainly come in handy one day.

• Ascertain the Damage – The tip of a fishing rod is the most delicate section of all and it is oh so easy to knock it into something hard, which more often than not, causes the tip to break. The first step is to assess the damage and if the very end of the rod has broken off, you will need to locate the missing piece and extract the end ring. If this is not possible, you can order a new end ring from an online fishing tackle supplier. If you are looking to buy a new rod, Fish Head sells Black Hole fishing rods at very affordable prices, as well as stocking reels, line and many essential fishing accessories.

• Prepare the Rod Tip – The broken end of the rod needs to be cut square and the last inch or so should be lightly sanded down, which roughens the surface, ready for the rod tip to be attached. Prior to applying any glue, slot the top ring over the rod section to ensure a perfect fit – you might need to sand down the end of the rod to enable the tip to fit, depending on exactly where the break occurred.
• Removing the Top Ring – The top ring will need to be removed from the broken tip, which can be done by gently applying heat until the glue is loosened. Once you have removed the top ring, clean it up and remove all traces of glue and it will be ready to be reattached to the rod. In the event the top ring has been lost, you will need to search online for a fishing tackle supplier that stocks rod rings, and make sure the top ring you buy is suitable for your make of rod. There are step by step guides on repairing a broken fishing rod tip, which come complete with pictures.
• Use Epoxy Resin – The ideal adhesive for a rod tip ring is the kind of epoxy resin that comes in tow tubes and by mixing 50/50, apply a small amount evenly around the very tip of the rod, then carefully slot the end ring onto the rod, making sure the ring is perfectly aligned with the others. Wipe away any excess glue and leave the rod for an hour to allow the resin to set.

Should you neither have the time nor the inclination to carry out a self-repair, most fishing tackle shops will do this for a small fee, yet it really is quite an easy thing to do and you don’t really need any special tools, just a little patience.