Tip of the day - DIY rod protector

[jb_adams]

Here's a quick "Tip of the Day" for you do-it-yourself types like me.

I noticed that my new Avid rods are getting tiny scratches from treble hooks and I don't like spinnerbait blades knocking against the rod either when I have baits secured at the bait keep.

So I came up with this quick idea to help protect my rods. I used a simple peice of quality vinyl electrical tape. The tape doesn't damage the rod, easy to remove, and helps keep small scratches off my rods.

Here is a picture of what I am talking about:

If anyone knows of a reason this is not a good idea.....let me know. I posted this in the "rods" forum because I felt it was more appropriate here. Please move if needed.

Tight lines guys! ;D

[skillet]

 Don't see why it wouldn't work. I think it was Reel Mech that said putting the hook thru an eye can put nicks in the eye which in turn could hurt your line ...

                                             As Ever,

                                              skillet

[jb_adams]

Yeah, I agree with that.  It eventually cuts down on the rod performance and wears the line faster.

The only thing that would concern me with using electrical tape as a rod protector is having a rod sitting in the hot summer sun.  Electrical tape tends to leave a residue when it gets really hot.  I would hope the tape would not peel off any of the lettering on the rod.

Just as a precaution, I would recommend changing the electrical tape every time you re-spool line just to get into a habit.  That way, you have a fresh tape strip to prevent the tape degenerating on your rod.

[grimlin]

I'm horrible about that...this is why i don't buy any over $100 rods...so if they do break i can get another without hurting my bank account.

Sounds like a great idea...they also have rod wraps and lure wraps as well.That will cost you a little money though.

[jb_adams]

I'm horrible about that...this is why i don't buy any over $100 rods...so if they do break i can get another without hurting my bank account.

Sounds like a great idea...they also have rod wraps and lure wraps as well.That will cost you a little money though.

Way ahead of you there.

My poor rig looks like Ralphy's little brother in the movie "Christmas Story".  The part where he has so many clothes on he can't move!

I just purchased nylon rod sleeves for the new rods and I already use the bait wraps and I have big BPS reel covers.  So between having a huge reel cover that wraps over both the rod & reel, a bait wrap (which still scrathes the rod), and now "rod socks", the only thing missing is a heavy duty travel carry case!

[islandbass]

Yeah, I agree with that. It eventually cuts down on the rod performance and wears the line faster.

The only thing that would concern me with using electrical tape as a rod protector is having a rod sitting in the hot summer sun. Electrical tape tends to leave a residue when it gets really hot. I would hope the tape would not peel off any of the lettering on the rod.

Just as a precaution, I would recommend changing the electrical tape every time you re-spool line just to get into a habit. That way, you have a fresh tape strip to prevent the tape degenerating on your rod.

First let me say, Excellent Tip!!!

I can see a couple ways to get around the stickiness of electrical tape in those conditions. The rod can be easily cleaned with Goo Gone.  This stuff is great for removing sticky things, even gum from hair. It is a citrus based degreaser and it shouldn't harm the graphite.  Chemical engineers, please confirm!!

I suppose that an alternative to E-Tape is perhaps painter's tape. I think the come in colors other than blue.

I myself might take a similar route, but instead of tape, perhaps a thin piece of velcro. It could be removed at any time and there would not be any sticky residue.

Thanks, JB!!!

-IB

[dbass]

jb_adams,

Great Tip....

That section of the rod has an extra layer of finish at the keeper and over the decal. So the tape won't remove any of the decal, and the extra layer is suppose to keep heavy scratches and nicks from reaching the blanks fibers. There is no reason why your idea wouldn't work, for a little more protection from hooks in that area.

You are right, I don't like when a hook is placed into the striper/butt guide, the hooks tend to gouge and nick the guide shock rings and can be a problem with mono.

Tight Lines!!!!

[michbass]

Nice tip. I havent had any real scratches in my avids that have caused much concern yet. Have to put some tape to help keep it that way.

[Long Mike]

I ued a tip I picked up in BASSIN magazine and started using zip-ties that have a loop in the end that are designed to be screwed or nailed to a ridged surface.  It works like a charm at keeping your hooks away from your rods.  Since they tend to swival around the rod,  they never seem to be in the way.

[5bass]

That looks like another great option Mike. I may have to check into some of those.

[jb_adams]

I like that idea but my spinnerbait blades and crankbait hooks still flop around on the sides of the rod.  That's why I used the tape to protect the finish.

My buddy just secures his hooks to the top of his baitcasters but I'm sure the finish is getting abused doing that too.  That's why I like the tape.  It blends in nicely with my rods too so you don't even see it.