Highland Custom Rod

Now is the time. Take stock of your fishing gear. Reels need to be cleaned and lubricated.
Rods need to be inspected for any blemishes. Be it worn guides and especially the tip guide, threading wearing out and handles (cork or rubber) needing replacement.
Also make sure your lines are in good shape. Nothing worse than losing a nice fish due to a knot failure or one in the leader.
Happy fishing in 2025 !!

From rough glued cork to the finished product. A Spey rod in progress.

When rods need repair, be it handles, guides, wrapping etc. it is easy to see. But one part of the fly rod that can go unnoticed is the metal tip. The abrasion from lines and leaders causes grooving, which can be the reason a leader or tippet fails. When you check your rod, it’s butt to tip. If you have grooving, it’s a cheap fix but one that should get done. Picture shows grooving on left.