So I've had a really unlucky season so far with rod mishaps. I've sent in rods for repairs twice now and I have a third which needs a guide replacement. I really don't want to pay the $40 shipping and wait two weeks for the return on this one so I was wondering, does anyone here know of any shops in Maryland or Virginia around the DC area which will fix rods? Thanks.

Yes go to Tom's Custom Rods. Tom has been doing rod repair for decades. He is an artist.  He is located up north in Bel Air MD.  Fom you just run straight up 95 towards Aberdeen, MD.  That is probably an hour or hour and a half but he has all the goodies you would need.  He also does amazing rod mods and builds great custom rods. Go here.  http://www.tomscustomrods.com/custom-rods-galley

 

Tom does all of the repairs and custom work for Anglers Express.  If you come up to Tom's you might want to take a detour on your way home. Instead of going straight back down 95 take 695 around the north side to Hunt Valley. Make a stop in Anglers Express, an awesome local tackle shop. You will find a ton of cool stuff there, much of which does not exist in BPS, Dicks, or Cabelas.