New guides or no?

[Pat Brown]

At what point do you feel it is not worth it to put new guides on a rod?  I've never done it but have a small pile of rods in the 1-300$ range that need one or two new guides (probably just get all new ones that match if anything).

 

I am considering using the cheaper end to learn or try to do it myself / I am also considering paying my local tackle shop to do the work.

 

At what point do you just throw a rod away vs decide it needs new guides?

 

I've had rods that seemed totally fine and given me years of use snap for no good reason and I'd feel pretty sore if that happened the trip after a fresh set of guides etc.

 

Thoughts?

[DaubsNU1]

I have replaced a few guides and tips on my old 1990's vintage Cabela's branded fishing rods. Used Mud Hole * as a reference and supplier for parts and such.

 

Pretty easy process. Didn't look pretty, but I'm more about substance over style.

 

Broke ends of a few spinning rods...so now they are shorter and have a new tip. One of my favorite spinning rods was a 7' medium light...now a 6'9", and about perfect for drop shot and light jigs.

 

I dread the day when my favorite 6' casting rod is no longer usable, or breaks. It's been my favorite rod for 30+ years. I treat it well and haven't had to replace tip or guides as of yet. ** crossing fingers **

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Pat Brown said:

At what point do you feel it is not worth it to put new guides on a rod? 

Thoughts?

First, I am a total novice in this area. 

That said, I've re-guided a few of my favorite sticks over the years and it's usually gone well.

 I'm still using a few today.

So I don't think there is any point where replacing guides is not worth it.

The materials are priced reasonably and the process is pretty easy.

There are a few items you can either make or buy that can make the job go a little smoother.

However they are IMO, not totally necessary and decent results

can be had with the most basic set up.

Plenty of info out there too.

Mudhole.com is my go to for how video's as well as materials needed. 

Good Luck

A-Jay

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/223182-re-wrapping-guides-on-an-old-rod-diy/

https://youtu.be/S_Owp6ZVN0U?feature=shared&t=2023

 

 

[WRB]

Built my favorite crank bait rod using a Fenwick salt water popping rod blank in the 70’s.

You make a rod building holder with scrap pieces of wood, easy to do and makes guide wrapping a lot simpler.

30 year old rods have served you well. Todays rods are a pleasure to fish with compared to 90’s era rods.

Tom

[casts_by_fly]

I'm aligned with AJay on this one.  If you like the rod and how it fishes, then its cheap and easy to put on a new guide.  A single running guide of decent quality is a couple bucks.  Worst case you have to put a matching k-frame SiC guide on and you're out $20.  That's a lot cheaper than a new rod.

 

Doing it yourself vs a shop?  See what your local shop would do it for (or a local ustom rod builder).  Something like that should be a $25-$30 job including the guide (but not including a SiC guide).  Is it worth if to you to learn how to do it?  Up to you.  Wrapping guides isn't hard.  There is a learning curve, but it isn't hard.  Applying finish is the same.  Plenty of tutorials and videos on the net for both.  Do you need another hobby?  Have plenty of time coming up in the winter with nothing to do?  Great.  Go for it.  I used to build custom rods for a long time so I have all of the materials downstairs and the experience upstairs should I need to.  if I didn't?  I'd take it to a shop and just let them sort it out.  I've got plenty of other things to do with my spare time.

[Pat Brown]

I need another hobby/time sink like I need a hole in the head but it looks like it could be fairly easy / fun.  I'm pretty handy with tools and building stuff etc.

 

I'll start by taking it by the local shop and compare the rate of having it done to the rate of trying to do it myself and I'll probably just end up getting them to do it 😂

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If its just 1 or 2 guides, its a no brainer to me.  When you replace the entire guide train, then it gets a little pricey.  Really it comes down to how much you like the rod and how much use its going to see.  No point in putting Ti K frames on a rod you won't use very much.  

[WRB]

Cabelas back in the early 90’s used Fenwick Fish Eagle rods and weight wasn’t a consideration price point was.

The guides were double foot with either carbide or ceramic rings. Minimum number of standard size guides were used  back then and solid heavy reel seats.

Suggest fixing what broken if the nostalgic factor is important otherwise look at sales for todays rods within your budget.

Tom

[Capt Ed]

Just pick up each one and see how you feel.  Nothing, who cares, or meh, out it goes.  If you get a good feeling, memory, or or start to think I could ___________, it's a keeper.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If the guides are rusty, damaged or wraps are compromised replacement makes sense. No need to replace good guides to get a match. Especially since your wraps won’t likely be aesthetically appealing first few tries. There are cases where a rod can be brought alive by updating the guide train but you need rod building experience or advice to make that determination.