I need to extend a NFC MUH868 IM-LMX (8.5’ musky blank rated 3-8oz) out to 10’, and am in a very rustic setting with very limited choices of adhesives.

I think all I have to choose from are liquid nails or marine epoxy, or some combination of Typar, duct or electtrical tape.

I read the library article and did a search in the forum, and all the info was very helpful. I figure to do both an over sleeve and an inner sleeve to reduce stress on the joint, with an overlap length of 6x the diameter of the blank to the extended. And unfortunately, I have lots of broken rod pieces to use for the extension.

Would the non-flexible adhesives I have to choose from be OK to use? And could I get away with tightly taping the extension in place until this trip is done? I think I would prefer taping it all together for the next 2 weeks. Thanks for any help that can be offered. Trying to save a trip here, and have never extended a blank before.

Adding both an inner and outer sleeve can result in a stress point that can itself cause failure at the joint. You're going to need some continuation of properties across the joint so just don't overdo things there.

I doubt taping is going to hold up, at least not for long. The Marine Tex is a paste epoxy and generally is too thick - it will change the fit at the sleeve-joint and you end up with something that is ill-fitting or has little to no adhesive between the mating parts. If you do get enough in there to bond, it won't be a temporary thing.

Liquid Nails is an interesting product. I've used it for various household chores but never on a fishing rod. But, it might get you by in a pinch. Whether or not it's going to be temporary or permanent in your particular case I cannot say, but of all the products you mentioned, I'd try it.

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Thanks, Tom. I will try the liquid nails, and will just limit myself to the inner sleeve that I have already prepared.

Wow, fishing in a remote spot can really test gear. About thirty years ago I was in a remote part of the Kodiak Archipelago and five rods gave way to one fly rod and one baitcaster with ten days left. Let us know how it all went when you are out, Eric.

I have done multiple extended musky rods. I hesitate to use anything other than good epoxy. I have seen them start to flex and move a bit. I personally only use Rod Bond on those applications. Sometimes better to wait and do it right once - learned that the hard way one too many times.

If I was stuck, I would personally fish a rock solid 8'6" rod before a 10' one that may have issues. But I'm also not a great benchmark, as I'd rather fish an 8'6" either way, just to be fair.

Honestly I'd suggest not doing anything until you can do it properly. What baits are you throwing that you can't target with the 8'6"? That NFC blank looks to be a good all arounder general use musky stick - unless you need to throw light/medium sized baits a loooong way for ultra conditioned fish?

Thanks all. I actually found some gorilla epoxy, which seemed better than liquid nails. I would have preferred rod bond for sure!

I extended it out to about 10’ 6” - the application is surfcasting in extreme rocky conditions so the added length is beneficial both for distance and then to help me elevate the line up in the air when a hooked fish slunkers down behind a rock and won’t move. Its a pretty unforgiving environment.

Throwing very large plugs up to 6oz. I thought about keeping it at 8’6” but then just went for it - I wrapped the guides with CA over electrical tape to make cleanup easier when I get back. So far its a wonderful frankenstein creation - just awesome for the application. If it fails you all will be first to know.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/14/2023 06:09PM by Tom Kirkman.

Clarification: I did the wraps with size A thread I always bring for emergency repairs. Wraps are over electrical tape, and coated with CA.