Rod Repair: How To Replace A Guide Fast and Easy!

[@richardmajewski3815]

I can't imagine how many rods I have discarded for missing guides and I always thought they were so hard to repair. Definitely going to invest in this equipment to do future repairs on my own. Thanks for sharing Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help!

[@chadjackson4786]

@@MattStefanFishing is there a huge dropoff in sensitivity between 1 piece and 2 piece rods when you're up above the $200 mark? Or are they pretty close in terms of performance

[@dhjhawk]

First you're helping me catch more fish, now you're saving me money! You're the man!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help

[@AstrosErin]

Spent $40 and fixed my favorite $200 rod with enough stuff left to make probably 10 more repairs. Thank you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Excellent!

[@tonymadrigal5233]

Wow. Thank you so much for making this video! Really, really well done. I can't begin to tell you how much time and money I've spent on sending my rods to someone else to fix. Maybe not stepping on my rods on the deck will solve half the problem! LOL

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try! its really not hard!

[@tonymadrigal5233]

@@MattStefanFishing Just ordered some supplies from Mud Hole. They were very helpful on getting me set up with a few of the basics.

[@erk678]

I have probably ten or twelve rods with broken guides. I was simply amazed at how you made the rod repair look so easy. I would love to see you do more rod repair videos. Can you do one on how to replace a broken reel seat? 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

I will put i on the list

[@bradtyler206]

And just like that…I learned ‘3’ little short cuts to improve my own rod building !! 👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@garywilliams9726]

Hey Matt, thank you for all the info you share, I'm 74 and in the learning stages of rod building. I'm hooked up with Mudhole, they have everything I need. Just keep sharing your knowledge , I can understand your teachings very well. Thanks, Gary Williams , NE Georgia

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do! Ill be building lots more rods and doing videos!

[@edwardcowan7012]

Great show. I’ve been building for almost 50 years. When I started as a teenager I used a phone book for tensioner and turned the rod a 1/4 turn every 5 minutes for a couple hours to keep the finish level. So you can get away with building with just thread, a razor blade, a match, a brush and finish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats awesome! but id rather pay the $40 for a rod dryer haha

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@MattStefanFishing I certainly have a full set up now. Not sure that a power drier even existed in 1975. The place I bought components from didn’t carry one anyway.

[@lk4846]

Thank you sir. Another great video and very helpful. I've been replacing guides on my rods for a long time. (yes I'm old) . Mainly because there was not place to get it done. Anyway one thing I use instead of the two part epoxy is auto touch-up paint. It's easy to use, no mixing, no waste and it goes on super smooth. It's also very tough. I've never had to go back and replace a guide I repaired. Plus you can use any color you want and it's relatively cheap and available everywhere. Please keep these educational videos coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the tip!

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

I will be VERY INTERESTED in the rod building series!

[@MattStefanFishing]

more coming!

[@TKsw191145]

Love this content. Keep it up. About to medically retire from the military and I can definitely see myself starting to build my own rods as a hobby

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a great hobby! plus you can make some money doing it if you wanted to

[@TKsw191145]

@@MattStefanFishing I would not turn down extra money. Especially money made having fun

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt. Congratulations on reaching 22,000 subscribers!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@aarongreenlee7867]

If nobody does it in my area, I'm definitely going to start doing rod repairs!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you should!

[@tonyduran4764]

I know the season started so you won't have time but in the offseason a video of making a rod from start to finish would be good. Great content keep it up Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are coming

[@BBob33524]

I've just started doing this. I've been using my partial spool braid. Works ok, don't match anything but it works and no one looks at my rods that close lol. Saved me a ton of money when you have a 10 yo who loves fishing but is not careful lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@juleswinnfield826]

Nice. I like the vid idea of walking through a rod build. Never had a desk job always "Hands On" employment, rod building is something i could see getting into, thanks for the vid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@trbrolltide]

Thank you Matt. Very thorough and informative. Always enjoy your videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@sbaner5]

Thanks for doing this. I'm looking forward to those rod build videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@MongoFish1]

Brilliant! I am embarrassed to admit that I have goobered up many a rod with that hot glue and even tried to be slick and wrap some light braid around the eyelet.😂 Thanks for showing the proper way!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it helped!

[@markpuckett7327]

You’re a talented man Matt . I’ve learned so, so much from you. Great video as always!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jeffreymurphy5313]

Bring on the rod building videos, can't wait to see them. Great topic!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got it!

[@dariusvilla5680]

What tools do I need at the minimum besides a sharp knife, a lighter, nylon threads, and expoy glue?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Check out the rod building kit from mud hole. Has everything you Need

[@codydulmes804]

Great video! Hopefully it gives others the confidence to repair their own and not take it to someone else or toss the rod just because of a broken eye. I am extremely encouraged by your rod building and repair videos! Can't wait for more to come! KZbin needs to add a love it button besides just a like button!!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Well said!

[@Rushfan-tt4cc]

What is the wrap? Do you buy those spools?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Size A thread pro wrap

[@leeeck3866]

Awesome video looking forward to more on rod building. I've been finding old rods at garage sales cleaning them up and putting new guides on. Very satisfying to do. Keep em coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@mikelarkin5367]

Awesome! Excited for all rod building videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Coming soon!

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

Good stuff I’m taking a rod building class in a few months so I can start making my own rods and put the components I want on them instead of the micro junk all the companies use these days. Thanks for sharing this

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome! I bet you love it!

[@BassDudeFishn]

I have been doing this for years. It's well worth the time to learn how to repair a guide. I like see a video on what you do when your grips on your rods get wore out. That's whole different animal. For me, I bought some heat shrink wrap and put over my old EVA foam grips, but I am curious in what you do.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill put it on my list!

[@cloewsfishing1078]

Great Video Matt!! I got into rod build because of you and I am really enjoying it!! Can’t wait for more rod building videos to come!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@trickytrav88]

Thanks for the vid considering im an electrician i love anything hands-on so this is awesome. Ive always repaired my own rods but not properly like this so its perfect. Its great knowing this technique and where to buy the stuff. Thanks Matt we appreciate it bud

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@jeremyguenther6209]

Excited to see more rod building content like this!

[@MattStefanFishing]

its coming!

[@hookedonbassncats]

Really cool Matt, I'm going to order my own stuff so I can start fixing my own rods.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good investment!

[@stevebaker8138]

Just gave it a shot. We’ll see how it goes!

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@johnrayner5599]

Absolutely love this type of content! Matt I also make my own rods and the satisfaction is amazing, catching a fish on a rod you have built is the best not to mention when I build one for someone else, to see their eyes light up when they first see it is totally worth the time put in building the rod. I would love more of these type videos, by the way, I just finished a CB 907 a few days ago. Thanks buddy! You should really try the Gen 4 finish epoxy, awesome to work with!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing ill check it out!

[@robertchadwick1552]

Very cool video. I look forward to seeing more of these videos and would really dig making my own rod. I've been tying my own jigs and it's really rewarding to catch fish on something you've made. Thanks for all you do my friend.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@natesomers5387]

Can’t wait for the rod building series!!!🤙 ps should build a flipping stick and call it the Sasquatch!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@shannonkirby9295]

Very interesting to see how this is done, Matt. Great stuff, bud

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RIPPNLPS]

Looking forward to the CB 907 build. Thanks, Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Coming soon!

[@jrsfishingchannel8082]

I really enjoy your videos... I have a couple of rods that I need to repair... very helpful

[@MattStefanFishing]

glad to help!

[@briancarroll4333]

Great video Matt. I'll be retiring in three months. Sounds like I've got a new hobby 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good hobby to have

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

Clutch… look’n forward to more build videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@bobluther1567]

great video, Matt! I love this content. Finished my first one, the CB 906, with your help with the specs. Thank you for that info! Can't wait to do another one, hopefully before the ice goes out here in Upstate NY.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help!

[@douglasspickler4925]

I enjoyed the video very much. Nice work. Look forward to your rod building video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@chriscomer261]

Great video. Looking forward to seeing more rod building videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@limegreenfishingmachine3332]

New garage up bait making and rod building stations in process of being put up love making the stuff myself. Plus I can get the grip I like or color or length rod. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@jasonriede6056]

Good you got me all inspired I want to build my own pistol grip fishing poles can't find good ones anymore

[@MattStefanFishing]

you definitely can build them

[@randypewthers8983]

MHX will be getting some of my money. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are great blanks!

[@donaldalbert4773]

Matt. Thank you. Great tip.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@jackieparker1847]

Outstanding video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you so much 😀

[@shannonwhitehead6314]

I look forward to more videos like this , thank you 🍻

[@MattStefanFishing]

More to come!

[@stuartcarter944]

You put out some good content man. This was a great tip

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@oldgoatvincent8005]

Love it, keep them coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@terryclowers4433]

This was really good,saw the box for the rod dryer on your table during the 2nd Hula Grub video and wondered was that was, now I know 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes it was

[@doster59]

Matt, you are killing it with these videos, I've learned so much. I'm going to get to work on my rods before pre-spawn begins up here in the north. I'm very interested in this type of content. If you happen to be looking for a show idea, I'd love to hear about the difference between MLF and Bassmaster in regards to the pro angler. I love MLF, but don't really know what the ins and outs are for the pros. Thanks again!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good topic! thanks!

[@RG-bf9if]

Thanks. I personnaly built my own equipment for rodbuilding and repair. Good to save money and more important, to make the rod that exactly fits each angler morphology and fishing style.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@ErrantVenture54568]

It really is that easy. I like your plan to show rod builds but what would be even more helpful would be showcasing the various hardware options available. There are so many blank, handle, reel seat and guide options out there it's hard to what will work best together to get you the results you want.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yeah thats a problem i have as well. its hard to just order random things hoping they work togethor. thats why i stick with what i know works for me.

[@shawnriebe4547]

Keep ‘em coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@philipdean1614]

Thanks for the vid. Getting ready to replace one of mine. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help

[@bobschlotterfishing2678]

Love this vid... keep them coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@PKClark-qw5oq]

Keep em coming! Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Will do!

[@dlcook1971]

Love this content and look forward to the rod building videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@richardporter1455]

That was relaxing to watch. Haha. Hoping to not have to do that any time soon. But when the time comes, l think l will be willing to give it a shot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its really not difficult

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

love it Matt. definitely looking forward to more rod building content.... =)

[@MattStefanFishing]

Coming soon!

[@6cwl9]

I recently replaced 3 guides on one of my rods by watching a KZbin video the reason is because I was given a box of old worm molds and other old stuff but mixed in was 5 spools of rod rap all different colors so I fixed a rod that was out of commission and been using it ever since but not perfect not to bad either though I used super glue at first but I like your way to stick the guide I'm going to do it that way from here on out

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats awesome!

[@dvanhorn222]

Amazing! Would love to get into this. Possible rod building series? Love your content! I have been looking for this one for a while. Keep cranking out awesome content!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sure thing!

[@weshunter1796]

I would love to see more complete rod building videos. Do you think you get much of a cost savings over buying a comparable rod off the shelf, or is it more the satisfaction of building your own and the flexibility of building rods to your specific specs that you may not be able to find commercially? I remember doing my first guide repair as a kid with my Mom's clear fingernail polish and thread from her sewing kit .

[@MattStefanFishing]

you build a comparable rod for half the cost. SO a $400 store bought rod you can build for closer to $200...any use the exact components you want.

[@clintperry799]

Thanks , good to know .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Happy to help

[@kenjordan4950]

Good, informative vid. How was the rod rotating whilst you were applying the epoxy, please?

[@MattStefanFishing]

its in a rod turner

[@danielhinrichsen5923]

Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Welcome

[@lannyseals2084]

Great video on how to do that,one of the best I have seen and will help me in the future.. are you planning on showing how to find the spine on the blank before putting everything together? I seem to struggle with that

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I’ve got to learn how to do this. I have a couple of Ducket Micro Magic rod blanks that I’d love to put a full titanium guide train on…

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can do it!

[@johnnyweaver1300]

You do a very professional guide replacement, looks like it was never replaced, was noticing that when you were applying the epoxy both hands were tied up, what was turning the rod? Did make that rod holder platform? I've replaced a few of my guides, but they don't look as good as that, but I can say none if them have failed, I used mud hole guides, with double shanks, so they are harder to get bent! Enjoyed the video & if you make that chatter bait rod I'm going to duplicate it sometime in the future!

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a rod turner turning it. if you get the rod building starter kit from mud hole youll get everything you need

[@donkswampey3874]

Great video Matt. Clear and easy to follow along. You make it look like a piece of cake. Just like you said, I’m in the boonies of NH so my nearest rod repair shop is about an hour and a half away. Every year I have 5-10 rods that need a guide repaired. I figured I’d check this year to see if it’s something g I could handle, and I definitely think it is. Especially just the tip guides. Question…, what is that board you are using as your work station. I couldn’t find any info on it. Thanks sir!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can do it!

[@emilianobanzi9432]

Good rod repair

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@douglasparton1434]

Th KS. Exactly what i needed

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great!

[@jeffreypennekamp7101]

Looks good!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It does!

[@tomleman6485]

Thank you for the video Matt. I am a hack rod repairer and just use braid for thread. It works but it doesn't match the rest of the rod wrapping. Do you know of any decent budget blanks?

[@MattStefanFishing]

mud hole sells blanks at big discounts several times a year. just got to keep your eyes open

[@captainhunter_oubre1364]

My grandpa taught me how to do this many years ago, but I've used 12lb braid and super glue to save the day out on the water quite a few times.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im not a fan of super glue for rod repair but sometimes you got to do what you got to do.

[@icefisher1171]

What wrapping station is that? Homemade? If so, care to share how you made it? Great video, brother. Keep up the great work.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it was the flexcoat handwrapper flexcoat.com/shop/rod-building-equipment/rod-wrappers/hand-rod-wrapper ive since upgraded to this CRB hand wrapper mudhole.com/collections/hand-wrappers/products/crb-advanced-hand-wrapper-system-4-spool

[@andygreenefishing]

What was making your rod spin when you applied the epoxy? You said earlier in the video that you were spinning the rod by hand, but I saw both of your hands while applying epoxy and the rod was spinning at a steady speed. Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

When applying epoxy you put the rod into a rod turner to rotate the rod so the epoxy doesn’t drip

[@andygreenefishing]

Got it. Thank you. I did a repair last night after watching your video. It turned out great. Thank you for the incredible content.@@MattStefanFishing

[@BigDaddySam]

I've a couple of questions. Where do you purchase the rod holder and what's turning the rod. Could you use a heat gun?

[@MattStefanFishing]

www.mudhole.com has all the supplies. A rod dryer is turning the rod. i wouldnt use a heat gun as it would blow particles into the epoxy...but in a pinch it would work

[@jimk4267]

Great info

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@nh_fishing_gal]

How did you make sure the guide was aligned with the other guides? Also how did you get the rod to spin while you were putting the epoxy on it? Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I can eyeball it really good when its in the rod turner. then put he thread on and you can move it exactly into place before applying epoxy. The rod was in a rod turner/drying rack that turns the epoxy to keep it from dripping and allows it to dry properly. they are inexpensive at mudhole.

[@thetackletactician]

Awesome Brother. Thank You

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@emoutdoors5661]

How do you get the epoxy off if you want to change to a different color thread but the guide is still good?

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can scrap through the epoxy with a razor blade on top of the guide foot. then peel off the thread and rethread with the new color. If you put frosh epoxy over the little bit of epoxy left on the rod it will blend right in.

[@johnnyarial7778]

I build rods, where I struggle is picking good blanks for different applications of bass fishing. Could you do a video on some of your favorite blanks. For the baits your throwing on it? Seems like every blank I have ordered been a little off of what I expected

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill be doing videos on rod builds all year providing the exact specs and component parts.

[@markstheory]

What the crap!!! I have the same guide glue. Mine will simply not work, non of my guides stick to the blank for threading. I had to improvise my last build with rubber bands. You made that look super easy.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im not sure why it doesnt work. ive never had a problem with it

[@timothyleger4385]

Great info 👍 👍 I have a 7'-2" H20 ETHOS micro eye missing 2 eyes(nephew and boats didn't get along) that was given to me by little brother. Plus a Wright MaGill Skeet Reese micro eye that's missing 2' off tip that I'm going to use for the missing guides ! Thanks for the info 👍 👍✌️ p.s. I DID SUBSCRIBE 😁✌️

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! I’m glad i could help!

[@emoutdoors5661]

Matt, which MXH blank do you think is ideal for all around crankbait? I was thinking of going with the CB843 (medium) but wonder if I should go to the med-heavy instead? I’m mostly throwing 1.5 square bills, rattletraps etc. also do you think 7’ or 7’6”? Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like the CB906 for cranking

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Thanks for that great tutorial on rod repair!!!👊🏻 Looking forward to future videos on rod building!!!! It does get expensive to try & find someone to repair a rod. I did find a guy in my fishing club that repairs them but like you said it takes time getting them back. Looked on MudHole site and thinking about taking the online course. Question: How do you what size eyes to get to replace?? and could you list what items you need to replace/repair the eyes?? Very interested in starting to this on my own!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Mud Hole has a starter kit on sale right now for $160 i think. it has literally everything you need to repair and build rods. As for guides, its up to the builder but you can get guide sizing tools to helps determine the correct size. mudhole.com/products/basic-rod-building-start-up-supply-kit-fsb-2?_pos=3&_sid=426f28eca&_ss=r

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks Matt!! Much appreciated. I contacted Mud Hole to see when classes are available online so I think I get a kit but will check into it. Really doesn't look that hard. I like how you put on the epoxy rather then how they showed it.

[@maxcole3930]

Rod building is super cool and interesting! I'm a Finnish carpenter , built cabinets, furniture ,ext. I definitely think this looks fun to do. So how do you decide how many & where to put the guide's ( spacing)? How does that affect rod with casting & sensitivity! I would like to build a sensitive dropshot rod & a medium swimbait rod 1-3oz. I'm a kayak angler so I prefer shorter rods when possible. What blanks would recommend for that application.good skill set to have & looks fun & handy! His the Bardrocks? My hens starting to lay good with warming up here in southern SC goat kids getting big too!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like the NSJ841 as a shorter dropshot rod. You can find guide spacing charts all over. mudhole offers a bunch of standard ones. I use an algorithm a buddy set up for me to determine spacing for the number of guides i want.

[@maxcole3930]

@@MattStefanFishing Looking like I'll probably b building some rods this year. Seems like alot of fun. I cast & retrieve my drop shots, drop swim swimbaits & worms. Or yoyo them back. You still recommend that blank even though I don't fish them vertical?

[@MattStefanFishing]

@@maxcole3930 i do. You could go with an nsj-842 if you want a stronger a little stiffer blank

[@SpookyRedz]

Loved it bro

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@SpookyRedz]

@@MattStefanFishing your welcome

[@edwardhowe5824]

How did you get it lined up straight with the other guides???

[@MattStefanFishing]

eye ball it.

[@ssoutdoors9828]

Edward if you really want to get it precise you could tie a string between the two neighboring guides and use that as a center line

[@edwardhowe5824]

@@ssoutdoors9828 Thanks

[@johnlantz7278]

When using single foot casting guides creates twisting pressures dislodging the guide try making 2 wraps in front of the guide an epoxy

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@rickparsons3945]

Did you link a way to purchase the equipment on here? I didn’t see it. I checked Mud Hole but did not see the rod holder you used?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I have a link to mudhole but not any specific equipment. there are lots of options to choose from

[@mikebower9255]

You always know exactly what to say. Chatterbait rod? Yes, please. If I can make my own Matt Stefan Chatterbait Special, I'm down. Would also appreciate any notes on slight variations for spinnerbaits or if you like the same rod for both. Always have one or the other tied on. I mean, it's Wisconsin.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha! i actually use pretty different rods for a chatterbait and spinnerbait but ill cover both.

[@mikebower9255]

@@MattStefanFishing would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much

[@Millz864]

PLEASE TELL ME WHERE TO GET ONE OF THOSE GUIDE REPAIR WORK TABLES ???

[@MattStefanFishing]

www.mudhole.com

[@ANONYMOUS-sr7cj]

where do you buy your guides?

[@MattStefanFishing]

www.mudhole.com

[@bobbydenezza7795]

How long does it take the epoxy glue to dry

[@MattStefanFishing]

i let it go 24 hours to fully harden but you could use it with less drying time

[@Stoney327]

Howdy: Just out of curiosity..... I used to replace guides and I wonder? When did they stop putting wraps on BOTH sides of the guides? Thank you. If I weren't so busy with my current business, I'd consider doing this again. It's easy money.:~)))) Thank you. Two Feathers