Fly rod needs new grip?

Question

I have a Heddon Black Beauty fly rod. The cork grip basically dry rotted and has completely fallen off of it. However, the reel seat is still there. I have looked into ordering replacement grips but dont have a good idea of how to get them onto the rod. My best thought is to remove the guides and slide the grip over the front. However, I have no idea really how the guides are attached. They look to be attached by some sort of tape (it is for sure not thread or glue). Does anyone have any thoughts or any ideas about this? I am fairly new to this so any help is greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Dear bobzafish, If I'm going to help you, you'll probably need to contact me through yahoo at [e-mail] if you rather not contact me, than contact Russ or Erica Gooding at

717.738.7330 or email@ [e-mail] http://www.goldenwitch.com/index.html



I would not do any work on the rod for the reason you're not experienced and its probably a rare and expensive Fly Rod. You've not given enough information for I to decipher if it is a rare Fly Rod or a high value.

For whatever its worth don't do any repair on it yet, till you have better knowledge of it.



I'm also able to furbish you, a local Rodbuilder who is expert in working with your Fly Rod in your area or near..



As for the tape, no Fly Rod of that era or now is wrapped with tape. It might look like tape but its silk. Unless someone added tape because the silk either was removed or a change of snake guide or stripping guide. Photos will probably be needed to ascertain the problem.



When I say its possible it can be a rare Fly Rod or a high value, I meant worth $400 and up.

Answer 2

Pretty sure that is a old collectible fly rod and an experienced rod builder would your best bet to have work done on it. I say that because some are great at what they do in fishing rod restoration. You can type in fishing rod restoration and many will pop up in this search, you may find one close to you or you will find one that you will have to ship the rod to them. I would do some research and see if any of these places have satisfied customers who praise their work.

Answer 3

the eyelets are attached with wound thread and a layer of epoxy. taking them off and putting them on is not fun or easy. i have never ordered a replacement grip, so i cant help there. but i have been pretty happy with that rod-wrap material when its used sparingly. its pretty cheap and removable if you dont like it. might try it before you try to perform surgery.

Answer 4

You remove the reel seat, install new cork, then reinstall reel seat. Do not remove the guides.

Like others said, you might want to take it to a pro.



If you insist on doing it yourself, here's some links:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=17259,24815,25523,26637,27103,52736&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=removing+fly+rod+reel+seat&cp=26&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=removing+fly+rod+reel+seat&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=634607d52d82d8c1