Hello all. I am considering opening a rod repair shop in the Florida Keys where I live most of the year. Presently I am semi-retired and hope this little business would bring in some extra cash in retirement.
For all of you who are commercial shops could you give me an idea of what are common charges for various repairs.

What labor costs are normal for a custom rod build? Say double wrapped guides and a simple diamond butt wrap?

Thanks,
Capt. Ron Teke
Marathon, FL

Ron,

I remember seeing in the Rodbuilder magazine an article where rod builders in different parts of the country were polled on their charges. I found it very interesting as I had just started my rod building business. Perhaps Tom can direct you to the magazine edition in which it appeared.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

There are so many variables, it would be difficult to advise anything specific. If I were you, I'd check out the competition to see what their pricing looks like.

$7 for a single wrap guide replacement, single or double foot guide. Guide is charged at retail. $1 each for trim wraps. $10 for double wrapped guide wraps. Guide is charged at retail. Tip replacement with hot melt glue is $5 plus tip charged at retail. $5 for a tip wrap. Diamond or Chevron wraps are charged at $10 per inch, minimum of $50.

I look at how much there boat cost I charge the guy with the 45 ft sport fishing boat more than the guy with a row boat and no motor.

Ron, how long have you lived in the keys? I ask because you tend to have two very different levels of fishermen.

A lot of folks in south florida aren't wealthy. They do "service" jobs. They cut your grass....cut your hair....maintain your pool....work at restaurants...etc. The cost to go fishing might make some of them invest in a better/custom rod but it isn't the norm. Then you have those that "have money" Strangely many of them are "cheaper" in mindset. Now "if" you can target the visiting angler crowd....maybe with a slant towards the high end fly fisherman....you might find folks willing to pay a reasonable price for quality work.

Just offer this as food for thought in case you aren't hip to it.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I read somewhere that only 2% of the people that fish would be in the market for a custom rod?

Ron I lived on Summerland Key and worked for a local guide service for a number of years. The Keys are an interesting place. The people you would have to target are locals or seasonal locals. The tourist for the most part show up with there own equipment or it's provided by a guide. There are shops down there where rod repair is done I have worked for one part time. I made extra money repairing for local boats and captains and providing used rods rebuilt for some. The industry of sport fishing is huge down there and it's a cash and barter system. If I were you I would concentrate on the docks and get a clientel that way. Your price for repair will decrease a bit that way but there will be plenty of work. As to direct prices it really depends on the job. By that I mean is the guy a offshore boat rod or is he a back water fishermen? The fishing is so deversavied there one price does not fit all like in most repair charges. Also consider, if your a captain working part time for a charter service. I could set you up if your licensed with a camp. They will provide the boat and tackle and you work as much or as little as you want. Easy job and they love retired captains. Mostly taking kids out on 6 packs.