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The manufacturer of your old rod was very careful in selecting the guides used, allowing the rod shaft proper action and performance. Replace with the same type guides in the same size and weight in exactly the same location if you were pleased with that action. If you wish to stiffen the action and gain somewhat more of a responsive shaft, use the lightest weight set of guides fishing conditions will permit. Keep the guide wraps short in length and don't apply a gallon of varnish. If you wish to soften the action, use a heavier set of guides. To remove the old guides, cut the thread parallel to the rod shaft and along the guide foot. Do not cut into the fiberglass. Rather than using a knife to scrape the shaft, peel or unravel the wrap. Note: A knife cut in the finish of a rod today may not cause immediate damage, but as the rod is put under fishing pressure and the blank ages, the cut may develop into a fracture or weak spot that eventually causes the rod to break. WRAPPING INSTRUCTIONS The basic thread wrap is easy to master. You'll need masking tape, a razor blade, rod wrapping thread and (2) 6" lengths of heavier thread. Maintain constant pressure on the thread. Read all instructions before beginning. 1. Tape guide foot to blank. Start the wrap at least 1/8" ahead of the opposite guide foot by forming an X and winding the thread around the blank and over its own loose end. 2. After 5 or 6 turns, trim the free end close to the wrap. Continue winding thread up to the guide foot within 6 or 8 turns of the finish. Keep tension on the thread. 3. Double one of the 6' lengths of loose thread. Lay the looped portion on the rod so the loop extends toward the guide ring. 4. Continue the wrap up the guide foot and around the loop of thread. On your last turn, pinch the wrapping thread securely against the blank. Cut the thread 4' from the rod. Maintain pressure while inserting the free end of the thread thru the loop. Pull the free end tight. Keep pressure on the free end while pulling the loop of 6" thread out thru the wrap. 5. The free end of the wrapping thread should now be sticking out of the wrap. 6. Pull it tight and trim close with the razor blade. Smooth the wrap with your finger. Apply clear finish to the wrap.
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