Cracked Guide Wrap Epoxy - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Fishin Dude · #1 11-05-2013, 09:07 PM

My two year old custom rod has developed cracks in the epoxy at both ends of the guide feet on all of the guides.

Aside from not liking the way it looks, should I be concerned about moisture entering and causing further damage or peeling epoxy which seems inevitable in the near future? Is this a common problem with custom rods? Out of the large number of rods in my garage, of various ages, only two other "Factory Rods" seem to have this issue, but not on all of the guides.

njboarder · #2 11-06-2013, 12:17 AM

Personally, i'd do something about it before fishing it again.
Saltwater could do some damage if not taken care of.
Have you talked to your rod builder about it?

JerseyCoast · #3 11-06-2013, 07:49 AM

Have it repaired. The cracking is due to the epoxy not melting into a prior layer properly. Eventually, this cracking will hold the moisture, creating a milky looking wrap, and after a while the guide will loosen, and possibly just fall off during a trip while you have a fish.

While this is more than likely not going to break the rod, it will cause extra stress on the other guides, possibly losing the fish when it happens.

This happens when multiple layers of finish are used to coat the rod. Sometimes the layers do not bond properly, creating a void, that allows moisture in.

It happens to all builders, and it can be caused by something so minor as a 1 degree temperature change while the finish is cured. Its not really a sign of a bad builder. Like I said...... its happened to every builder at one time or another.

Its an EZ fix. To give you an idea, we get like $12-$15 for a guide replacement, as far as repair goes. Who knows, maybe the original builder will warranty the rod and fix it for free too.... contact them first, before you pay to have it repaired. Its a quick fix. Takes a day.