I have a question on Fiber glass fly rods. I have several nice fly rod blanks that I want to build and I have questions on the wrapping of the spigot ferrules.

2 pc rods - I have 4 of these that range from 6' to 7' in length when joined. Should the spigot ferrule be wrapped on both sections and if so how much is typical to preserve the integrity of the ferrule joints.

3pc and 4 pc - On these rods there is a minore diffeenc in the gap in the spigot ferrule when the sections are joined, can the spigot ferrules be lightly sanded to obtain a consistent gap when all sections are joined, or is it best to just accept the difference as it is.

These are high quality fiberglass blanks and I want them to be right so any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I usually build bamboo or graphite so the fiberglass thing is a little new to me.

Thanks
Leo

The gap needs to be there - it allows for future wear. If you sand them until they fit snug, you'll soon have sections that bottom out on each other and you'll cast the tip off on every cast. Leave that gap alone - it's supposed to be there.

You need to wrap both the male and female sections. Make a snug wrap, and get it as close to the edges of the sections as you can. The very edge of the sections is what you're trying to protect - this is where split-outs occur. You don't need much, just a half inch or so. Some years ago I decided on a ratio of a length that was equal to about twice the diameter at the ferrule end. It works and has spread far and wide. It's a decent rule of thumb that will get you adequate protection without overly long reinforcement wraps.

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Thank you Tom,
I knew that there needed to be some gap there for wear, I was more concerned with keeping it consistent form section to section.

If I understand your advice on the wraps then, a good rule would be wrap to twice the diameter of the cross section, and like graphites, as close to the end as is possible. I dont like the appearance of really long wraps, and I want to get these right before I build out my McFarland Spruce Creek....

I really appreciate your input, thank you so much

Leo

You're right on target. Good luck.

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