About 8 years ago I built my now 14 year old son a fly rod using a St. Croix blank. Not know any better at the time, I used snake guides and may the grip, a Fenwick style, to fit his hand. He's caught a lot of fish with it and still likes it, but the grip is too small. I would like to rebuild the whole thing and use single foot guides. My concern is removing the epoxy. Is there a good way to remove this old epoxy and not have it show when I replace the snakes with single foot guides? Or will I need to sand it down and recoat it with Permagloss?

Gerry, I'd visit with that young man and maybe have him throw that beauty on the wall, get a new blank, and build it. That first rod will be a treasure to him in 40 years as it is right now, before you change it all. It has a lot of sentimental value or at least will have in the future. Just a thought from a friend...

Putter
Williston, ND

Gerry:

I agree with Putter. Keep it. Build another that is better suited for your son now and in line with your increased abilities and knowledge.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works

Well, I'll see what he wants me to do, I would hardly call it a beauty. It seems like such a waste, but he has another rod and I'm in the process of building another for him.

Gerry. A Fenwick grip is a perfect candidate for an overlay of rattan. Will build up the grip and be aesthetically pleasing. The rattan would end where the final front swell begins. I would rattan all the way down to the reel seat in the other direction.

yeah, keep it. he might not appreciate the idea but at 14, i would be surprised if he knows or can estimate the full sentimental value possibilities for something 40 years down the road. no disrespect intended. at 14, i was just discovering GIRLS!!! ;-)

i don't think there's anything wrong with snake guides enough to have to rebuild a rod for that reason. i'd suggest keeping the rod as is.

eric
fresno, ca.