I have to replace a guide on one of my fishing rods (black blank w/ black guides, black wrap w/silver trim bands) that I use all the time. I can replace the guide no problem but it got me thinking. When you replace a guide do you try to do anything to make it blend in with the rest of the rod. What I'm trying to say is that when I replace the guide the wrap will be all new and shiny compared to the rest of the rod and other guides. Just thinking that it will look pretty odd.

Black, black, black - will not be noticeable (on your rod). "Blending" lighter, brighter colors - especially if the rod has been used a bit and the colors have faded from UV exposure will be more difficult, perhaps impossible. If you use a lighter shade thread = that will fade over time and look "odd" so for me the answer is "no, let the new thread fade over time to match the originals".

Clean the old wraps and put a thin coat of finish on It will brighten them up if you want

Bill - willierods.com

Robert

It would look odd to who? and who cares! You need to get fishing. It's one of those things that no one would notice, but you know it's there and it gnaws at your brain,however after time it will blend in and you will forget about it as well. Replace the guide and have fun fishing.

Good luck

John

As Bill says, refresh the other guides. If you are careful you can get the new wrap into the same space as the old one (remove the thread only; don't try to clean up the finish that is beyond the wrap) and it will be difficult if not impossible to tell it was a repair.

I replaced a guide on one of my brother's sticks before - old golden Sabre, blue and white wrap. I asked if he wanted me to try and match the old color and he sarcastically replied for me to do it whatever color I wanted. I did it in shades of hot pink and pearl. At first he was not amused, but now I am replacing the wraps on the third guide on his rods with this color scheme as it makes his stand out on the rack when on a party boat.

Go with what YOU want.

Robert,

If you're concerned about the older wraps not matching with the new wrapped in guide, just give the older wraps a light coat of Perma Gloss and they will all match perfectly. I just replaced a guide on a Shimano swimbait rod for a buddy. The older guides looked pretty sad; so I gave the old guides a coat of Perma Gloss and they came out looking brand new. I also like the way the Perma Gloss penetrates the minor cracking around the guide feet.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

if it bothers you that much and is noticeable after you replace the one - replace them all

Jon Hood