Well, I'm gaining a reputation in my office as a guy who can fix rods - which is great, and I'm getting some great opportunities to learn more about rods, construction techniques, etc. Good deal for me, and my co-workers (I work for basically free at this point) My latest repair makes me nervous though, so I'm looking for advice.

The rod is a two piece 9' Penn, used for trolling for lake trout and salmon on Lake Superior. The rod snapped off about 14-16" below the tip - it appears to be a glass rod, or a glass/graphite composite. I read Ralph's article about rod repair and picked up some good tips - but this application is a bit different than the fly rods he uses in his article. Should I be using an interior sleeve and an exterior sleeve to repair? I would assume I want to use a fiberglass sleeve(s) rather than graphite, otherwise I'll have some shearing problems. Any other tips? Thanks in advance!!

Depending on the diameter at the break, I'd probably oversleeve this with fiberglass, Rich. If it's larger in diameter, I'd go with both inner and outer...

Putter
Williston, ND

Rich Handrick - If you are not getting paid, I hope your co-workers understand that there is no warranty or guarantee, implied or otherwise, on parts or labor. And that you are not responsible for what happens to the rod while you are working on it, or for what becomes of the rod after you repair it and return it to them for storage & use.

It may be a bit of a revelation as to which is greater: Their desire for your FREE labor; or their interest in a mutual benefit, wherein you get to learn by working on their rods (at some risk to them) and they get the benefit of your growing skill & friendship.

Best Wishes. Enjoy ! -Cliff Hall, Gainesville, FL-