The inside of the top guide fell out. Is there anyway to fix that myself without having to bring it to a shop b/c I heard that they will just cut the tip down if I bring it there and I don't want that to happen.

No reputable rod builder would cut a tip as part of that job. However, you can buy a kit to replace the tip-top. Apply low heat to the tip while putting pulling pressure on it. It should slide right off. DO NOT TWIST IT. Clean up the tip as best you can. Residue should scrape off with a fingernail. The repair kit will come with a small variety of tips and some hot melt glue. Size the tip as closely as you can without forcing it on or being too sloppy. Melt the glue with a lighter and apply it to the tip of the blank. Slide the top in Place quickly and hold in alignment for a few seconds. Done.

^ I can't do tht because the top guide doesn't just slide off. It's part of the rod.

DVT is right.. the foot of the guide is hollow, and the tip end of the graphite (rod) slides inside that, and is glued by hot glue or whatever.

Heat the tip with a cigarette lighter, that would melt the glue, and pull the damaged guide out.

Go on to the St Croix website, and order a new tip-top guide for your rod. It should come with the St Croix crystallized glue. I believe it would cost you $5 including shipping.

There is also a tool you can buy to size the rod tip after you get the tip off. All tips are placed on with glue and can be removed with the method that DVT suggested, unless it's one of those innerline rods that St.Croix does not make. Remove the tip and find the biggest post that will fit inside the tip. Then if you want to just order whatever type of tip you want you can replace it yourself.

You don't need a tool, or a professional, or have to cut your rod to fix this. All you have to do is go up to the website, and order the part for $5. have the rod handy, because you'll need the model and serial numbers to look it up. The new tip with instructions on how to replace will be in your mailbox in a day or two.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/shop/catalog/Rod_Repair_Parts-8-1.html#

Click on the top left Tip Replacement Guide box.