Today we will discuss how to strip a fishing rod? What do you think would be the most important item for those who love idling around near a lake, admiring the beautiful surroundings, musing over the past, and smiling over a thing they found funny? It is the fishing rod.
There are various people out there owning a crazy thing and having a crazy habit; there are even people going crazy for a fishing rod. It can be said that as their most beloved ones, this item becomes their Gods and Goddesses to a person who loves fishing. When few love and worship them, others would love to strip this fishing rod.
This article will help strip that beautiful fishing rod, whereas it would be a nightmare for others.
What Is A Strip Fishing Rod Used For
Fishing rods are those long, flexible, black rods used for the sole purpose of fishing. The rod is attached to a thin yet strong line ending with a hook. The line is neatly coiled near the guide to avoid tangling and to retrieve the fish out of the water quickly. The hook is the place, and the bait waits patiently to be eaten by the fish.
The greatness of the fishing rods is mainly behind the flexibility concept. The place where we can hold the rod is generally quite dense, whereas it is very thin at the tip. This helps the rod bend when baits, big or small, are to be caught.
An interesting image about this fishing rod is that it is not one-fit serves all. There is a variety of them serving various purposes in different conditions. To give an idea, ice fishing rods are specially designed to catch fish in icy lakes. Trolling rods are used to catch fish behind boats that are moving.
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Why Strip A Fishing Rod?
Usually, people invest a lot of money to purchase their dream fishing rod for their favorite pastime to enjoy alone or with their buddies. Ripping them would mean the worst nightmare or a huge disaster to them. Yet, here is a list of people who would love to strip the rod.
The curious ones:
They love to look at what is inside. These are the ones that love to strip it, to explore each component inside. They have the pleasure of ripping it part by part. The fascinating fact about such kinds is that they try to rebuild it again to its former glory.
Those who love to create their own:
They take hold of a very old fishing rod, strip it step by step, and try to build their versions and suit their needs. These kinds of people are the creative ones.
When the opportunity arises:
I came across a one, who loves fishing rods, but when his friend wanted to strip the rod. He readily agreed because he was unwilling to experiment with his rods.
On-demand:
Few people are pushed by the customers to repair something inner in the fishing rod. They are pushed to strip the rod.
When they receive a damaged piece:
Some return to make sure they have made the right action for the invested money. Others try to repair themselves.
We would love to know which category you belong to in the comment box.
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How To Strip A Fishing Rod Step By Step Guide
Here is the list of items needed for stripping the fishing rod.
1. Blunt knife to scrape the epoxy
2. A blow drier or a lighter to soften curtain rod parts.
Let’s begin the juicy part of stripping the fishing rod.
Step 1: Stripping The Guide.
Let’s begin with what exactly is a guide. The guide is the circular part of the fishing rod through which the fishing line is threaded for control. To strip the guide, warm the place where the guide is attached with a blow drier or lighter. If using a lighter, do not heat the guide by placing the fire very close; make it warm by distancing the fire a little away from the guide.
Step 2: Unwind The Thread.
The most difficult part is to unwind the thread. A lot of patience is required, so “Slow and steady wins the race .” Gently, using a blunt knife from the base, start stripping the guide. Keep an eye on the thread. Try to get the direction of the thread and start unwinding it. Repeat the process for all the other guides.
Step 3: Remove Epoxy Remains.
Once you remove the guides, another most important element to strip is the epoxy residue. First, blow-dry the rod to soften the epoxy. Once it is softened, use a blunt knife for this process and start removing the epoxy slowly throughout the whole length of the rod.
Step 4: Use Sandpaper
Use sandpaper through the whole length of the rod so that you will not find any trace of the guidelines anywhere in the rod.
Step 5: Remove The Cork
This is the easiest part compared to the others while stripping the rod. This part is quite a thick layer so that you can get right through it with a knife. After removing the cork, remove the remaining epoxy using the blunt knife.
Step 6: Cut The Butt Cap
The end part where we catch the rod is called the butt cap. Removing the butt cap is simple. It is made of plastic, and a small scratch and pulling it away will do the job.
Step 7: Remove The Reel Seat
This is the toughest job while stripping the rod. It is the hardest part to remove, and only a cutter can work. Cut it open slowly and patiently. If not, there are possibilities the cutter goes near the stick and damage it. Once it is opened, repeat the same process of removing the epoxy.
Step 8: Use More Sandpaper
Now, since the whole rod is stripped, it is easier to use the sandpaper at the whole length of the rod to remove epoxy and thread marks in the rod.
Step 9: Use Alcohol
Use alcohol to clean the whole rod to bring the shine. And it is necessary to use it multiple times. Hurray, now the fishing rod is completely stripped.
If you want to retain the logo of the fishing rod, even this can be done, but it requires patience and a lot of time to get it done.
Step 10: Retaining the Logo
Tape the rods above and below. Blow-dry the above and below parts to make it soft and slowly try to unwind the thread. Remove the tapes and unwind them even further as you unwind the thread. Once it is done, only the epoxy would remain. Slowly remove the epoxy with the blunt knife and ensure it does not touch the logo part.
There we go. We have the logo retained in the fishing rod.
How Are They Manufactured?
Today, fishing rods are manufactured using fiberglass or carbon fiber, also known as prepreg. These materials are rolled around a mandrel and cut according to the need each rod would be used and served. Usually, the following are kept in mind which manufacturing these rods, i.e., weight, length, line class, action, etc.
Once the pattern is formulated with the prepreg, first, the application of the scrim begins, followed by the addition of epoxy. Again these are rolled under excessive pressure under the mandrel. This process helps remove excess epoxy and decreases any weakness in the rod. Then, the rods are placed in the oven with cellophane as exterior cover to be baked. Later the exterior is removed, and the blank rod is completed with a matte or shiny finish.
The blank or the rod is the main part of the fishing rod; after this, the components such as butt cap, lower handle material, upper handle material guides, and rod tips are attached.
How To Strip A Fishing Rod (FAQ)
How Do You Remove Old Epoxy From The Fishing Rod?
Epoxy is used in the fishing rod to put all the things in place and for the rod to withstand pressure and weather; therefore, it doesn’t rust. If you think you have to give your fishing rod a new coat of epoxy, you need to remove the old epoxy.
This can be done by blow-drying or heating the place with the lighter, and this process helps the epoxy soften and then the remaining is all to scrape with the sandpaper.
How to Clean An Old Fishing Rod?
As your fishing rod gets older, it loses its epoxy, and hence it starts to rust. We do not want to let the rod rust, then the rod’s durability is put at stake.
Well, we can do clan the old remove existing epoxy. Then add new epoxy. It not only keeps the rust away. It also helps to preserve the fishing rod for a longer time.
What Do You Clear a Fishing Rod With?
Clear coating the fishing rod is adding an epoxy coat to the rod. There are various excellent polymer epoxy finishes out there in the market. You can buy one of your liking and choice and then the same old process, remove the old epoxy and clear coat it with fresh shining ones.
Can You Trim A Fishing Rod?
Yes, this is the answer to the question, but as a rule, ensure you cut only 6 inches of the butt and start rebuilding it to your needs. Any more than that can ruin your fishing rod’s capacity. If you want to cut the tip of the fishing rod, do not cut materials made of carbon fiber bank, these materials have an immediate effect making the fishing rod suitable for fishing. If it is a Fiberglass blank, you can cut a couple of inches and not more than that.
Conclusion
Finally, we learn about how to strip a fishing rod? Stripping the fishing rod may be difficult time-consuming, and a lot of patience is required. But, it is worth all the effort. As much as there is beauty in the complete and holistic look of the fishing rod with its gear, there is also a lot of beauty in seeing the stripped blank black rod in hand.
Now, it is time to flaunt the fishing rod, the black beauty to your friend, or go out there to take some cool photos. Do not forget to muse over your victory while fishing with other rods and, of course, the same simile while idling away and remembering your black beauty. One last thing, have that big smile with your stripped rod near you.
