I am rebuilding a set of dipsy diver rods that originally had an underwrap. After removing the original guides I am left with an area under the guide that is not a nice smooth finish. Now I have a choice to make, I replace the underwrap to cover between the two feet of guides or I find a way to cosmetically fix them.
My first thought was perma gloss or a thin coat of epoxy to clean up the blank area.
Any other ideas to keep from having to underwrap?
J

I think you have to ask yourself if the underwrap is more work and/or less of an evil than the "fix". As a old time saltwater guy I grew up with underwraps. I am learning to get away from them but they do provide for more oppertunity to dress up guide wraps. On a rod that won't be ruined by double foot guides I hardly see them as a "bad thing".

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Russell gives good advice. Cleaning up the area of the underwraps is one thing, trying to re-finish that area without doing the whole blank is another and probably more difficult task.

It is possible to do what is known as a "false underwrap" where you put a wrap in-between the main guide wraps. Same appearance, but less weight and bulk.

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Thanks Tom.
I think that will be my best option.
J

Double post deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2013 09:45PM by John E Powell.

This is a dipsy diver rebuild. Dipsy diver rods are used for trolling hour after hour, day after day, year after year under full load towing trolling gear. The load bends the rod 90 degrees, or more, over it's length with the first few inches of the rod laid out straight pointing rearward toward the diver behind the boat. Reel drags have to be set tighter than what you fight the fish at just to keep the diving planer and bait from stripping line from the reel as the boat trolls around. Then, a 30+lb salmon smashes it for runs of 500-1000 feet. When the fish hits, you pounce on the rod to loosen the drag before the overly tight drag rips the hook from the fish.

These rods get the snot beat out of them. Your rebuild should focus first on durability. These rods call for underwraps to cushion the extreme bend of the rod from the guide foot. You can choose to cover the space between double foot guides or not, but I would not consider building a new diver rod without an underwrap under the feet. In the whole scheme of things, considering these rods spend their life in rod holders, the tiny bit of weight thread and extra finish between the guide feet contributes to what the angler experiences with the rod in hand is completely negligible. Do whatever you want in this area to get your desired cosmetic results.

I'm sure some people will disagree with me on this, but great lakes trolling rods is just about all I do and it works for me.

That is a good point John while i wanted a clean basic wrap but that is still a good description of the wear and tear it will see. I have noticed more rods eliminating the underwrap even on commercial diver rods and didn't think it was anything but cosmetic on the original rod.
I am just a weekender however I am really most interested in longevity as I opted to do this build with Si Ni II - BHNNG's and plan on keeping this set around for a while.
J

it's almost impossible in my opinion to get a good looking job on a rebuild like this without stripping the whole rod,especially when the old rod had underwraps.It's much easier to refinish the whole thing and the end result will look a lot better, and also be more durable.

I would also do a false under wrap.