Author:

When the Tip-Top Insert Breaks

It’s one of the most common issues anglers face — a chipped, cracked, or missing ceramic insert in the tip guide.

You’ll often hear it before you see it — a faint scraping sound as the line runs through, or subtle fraying near your leader knot after a few casts.

The damage isn’t always obvious. A hairline crack or slightly misaligned insert can cut through braid or mono in minutes, especially under tension. That’s why it pays to inspect your tip-top regularly — run a cotton bud or piece of tissue through the ring. If it snags or tears, the insert’s damaged.

The good news? This one’s an easy fix — and with the right materials, you can get back fishing within minutes.

What You’ll Need

To make a quick, reliable repair, you only need a few basic items:

• Replacement tip-top guide (same ring style as your original)
• Small lighter or torch
• Tip-top glue (hot-melt or low-temp adhesive stick)
• Pliers or multi-tool
• Optional: 2-part epoxy clear coat for a permanent, watertight seal

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Tip-Top Insert

1. Remove the damaged tip

Gently heat the metal tube of the old tip-top with a lighter for 2–3 seconds. Once the glue softens, grip the guide with pliers and slide it off.

Avoid overheating — you only want to soften the adhesive, not scorch the blank.

2. Clean the rod tip

Wipe away any leftover glue or debris. The end of the blank should be smooth, clean, and free from splinters or loose carbon fibres.

A tidy surface helps the new tip seat evenly and ensures a stronger bond.

3. Heat the glue and fit the new tip

Warm the end of your tip-top glue until soft, then apply a small amount to the blank. Slide the new tip-top onto the rod, twisting slightly to spread the glue evenly inside the tube.

Align the ring perfectly with your other guides while the glue is still soft.

4. Hold until cool

Hold the new tip steady for 30 seconds while the glue sets. Once cool, check that the alignment is perfect — if it’s off, gently reheat and adjust before the adhesive fully hardens.

5. Seal the repair (optional but recommended)

For a longer-lasting, watertight finish, apply a thin coat of 2-part epoxy clear coat around the base of the new tip-top.

This seals out moisture, adds UV protection, and locks the guide in place for years of use.

Pro Insight

A loose or damaged tip insert can easily cut line or weaken knots, often ruining good fish in seconds.

If you hear a rough “sawing” sound during retrieve, or notice scuffed braid, check your tip immediately — even a small crack can do serious damage under load.

At K-Labs Custom Rods, every re-tip is aligned, bonded, and epoxy-sealed using the same precision process as our custom builds.

If you’d rather have it done professionally, we can assess, re-tip, and refinish your rod so it looks and performs like new — perfectly aligned, smooth, and watertight.

When it comes to custom rod building, the grip and reel seat connection is where craftsmanship truly shows. A poorly fitted grip not only looks rough but can lead to water ingress, uneven reel alignment, and even stress points in the blank.

Here’s how grips should be fitted correctly — from bore sizing to bonding — to create a clean, strong, and watertight finish.

1. Start with the Bore Size

Every grip must fit the blank precisely.

• The internal diameter (ID) of the grip should be slightly smaller than the outside diameter (OD) of the blank at the mounting point.
• This ensures a tight, uniform bond once adhesive is applied.
• Never force a grip onto the blank dry — it can split EVA or distort cork.

👉 Pro Tip: Use reamers to achieve a smooth, tapered fit that mirrors the blank’s taper for perfect alignment and even pressure.

2. The Correct Bonding Process

Using the right adhesive is as important as the fit itself.

• Rod-building epoxy (not hardware epoxy or superglue) allows proper working time and flexibility.
• Apply a thin, even coat — too much creates air pockets; too little leads to weak adhesion.
• Always rotate the grip as you slide it into position to spread adhesive evenly.
• Avoid overtight fitting: if the bore is too tight, it can force all the adhesive out, leaving dry spots and compromising the bond.

👉 Avoid voids: gaps under the grip can trap moisture and lead to internal corrosion or soft spots.

Unlike mass-produced rods — where components are often stacked on top of each other with little regard for alignment or adhesive depth — a custom build focuses on precision. Each grip is carefully sized, reamed, and bonded to create a true structural connection with the blank, not just a cosmetic fit.

3. Transition to the Reel Seat

The junction between the rear grip and reel seat should feel natural — smooth to touch, watertight, and aligned with the reel.

• On higher-end builds, the grip is rebated so the reel seat recesses slightly, creating a flush, watertight joint.
• On standard builds, a trim ring or winding check bridges the transition neatly while sealing against water ingress.
• Always check reel alignment before epoxy sets.

👉 At K-Labs, rebated grips are a signature feature — designed for precision fit, durability, and that distinctive high-end finish.

4. Foregrips and Water Sealing

Foregrips can also be rebated into the top of the reel seat to keep the join sealed and prevent water intrusion from splashes or rain.

A properly rebated EVA foregrip gives a sleek, integrated finish and reinforces the rod’s overall strength line.

5. Finishing Touches

Once epoxy cures, seal the joins with a fine bead of clear epoxy or a custom trim component to prevent wear over time.

The final look should be seamless — as though grip, reel seat, and blank were machined from one piece.

Conclusion

The way a grip connects to the blank and reel seat says everything about a builder’s attention to detail.

A correct fit doesn’t just look professional — it improves comfort, prevents moisture damage, and extends the life of the rod. Whether you’re shaping cork or rebating EVA, precision and fit are what separate assembled rods from crafted ones.

Tip guides are the most common part of a rod to break or wear out — whether from knocks, pressure, or line friction. The good news is that replacing a tip is simple once you know how to size it correctly and install it properly.

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Measure for the Correct Tip Size

There are two key measurements you need to get right:

1. Tube Size (Pipe Size)

• This is the inside diameter (ID) of the tip tube that fits over your rod blank.
• Measure the outside diameter (OD) of the blank at the very end using calipers or a tip gauge.
• Pipe sizes usually increase in 0.2 mm steps (e.g., 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.6 mm).
• Example: If your blank measures 2.18 mm, a 2.0 mm tip is the correct choice.

2. Don’t Confuse Tube Size with Ring Size

• Tube size determines how the tip attaches to the rod blank.
• Ring (insert) size is the opening the line passes through.
• They are measured differently — you’ll need both correct for a proper replacement.

3. Ring (Insert) Size

• This refers to the outside diameter of the ceramic insert — the actual ring the line passes through, not the guide frame.
• Common sizes are 6, 8, 10, etc.
• Larger rings suit heavy leaders or surf rods, while smaller rings are best for finesse setups.

Step 2: Remove the Damaged Tip

• Gently heat the old tip guide with a lighter for just a couple of seconds.
• Twist and pull it off using pliers or your fingers (with care).
• If it won’t budge, don’t force it — a touch more heat usually does the trick.

Tip: Avoid overheating. Too much heat can weaken or damage the blank itself.

Step 3: Prepare the Blank

• Clean off any old glue or residue from the blank tip.
• Lightly scuff the blank end with fine sandpaper if needed so the new tip bonds properly.
• Always ensure the blank tip is dry and free from oils or dirt before fitting the new guide.

Step 4: Attach the New Tip

• Use rod tip adhesive (hot melt glue) — never use superglue or epoxy, as these can make future repairs impossible or damage the blank.
• Heat the glue stick, apply a thin layer to the rod tip, and slide the new tip guide into place.
• Quickly align it with the other guides before the glue cools.

Step 5: Final Alignment

• Sight down the rod to make sure the new tip guide lines up perfectly with the rest of the guides.
• Make small adjustments immediately while the glue is still soft.
• Once cooled, the tip should be firmly fixed and ready for action.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a tip guide is one of the easiest rod repairs you can do at home. With the right measurements, correct adhesive, and a steady hand, you’ll have your rod back on the water in no time.

✅ Disclaimer: The information above is based on hands-on rod building and repair experience. There are always multiple ways to do a job, but these methods are tried, tested, and safe for most modern rods.

When it comes to leaders and mainlines, fluorocarbon has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for anglers who want abrasion resistance, invisibility, and strength. But not all fluorocarbons are created equal. In fact, there are three main types you’ll come across: hard, supple, and super fluorocarbon — each designed with different fishing situations in mind.

This breakdown will help you understand what sets them apart, and why choosing the right one can make or break your day on the water.

Why Fluorocarbon?

Unlike monofilament, which absorbs water and loses up to 20–30% strength when wet, fluorocarbon absorbs virtually no water (<0.05%), meaning it maintains its rated breaking strain in real conditions. This is a huge advantage when fishing around structure or in heavy current where you’re pushing your tackle to its limits.

The Three Types of Fluorocarbon

1. Hard Fluorocarbon

• Purpose: Built tough for abrasion resistance.
• Attributes: Stiffer, holds its shape, and resists nicks when fishing around rocks, reefs, or shell beds.
• Best use: Perfect as a short leader in snaggy or abrasive environments.
• Trade-off: Can be harder to knot cleanly, and stiffness may reduce natural lure action.

2. Supple Fluorocarbon

• Purpose: Designed for stealth and natural presentation.
• Attributes: Softer and more flexible, allowing lures and baits to move freely.
• Best use: Great in clear water where fish are spooky, or when fishing lighter lines.
• Trade-off: Slightly less abrasion resistant than hard fluorocarbon, so it may wear quicker if dragged across rough ground.

3. Super Fluorocarbon

• Purpose: A newer blend that balances toughness with knot strength.
• Attributes: Softer and higher in elongation than hard fluoro, which means knots pull up tighter and braided lines “bite” better without slipping.
• Best use: Ideal when fishing with braid and wrap-style knots (like FG or PR knots) where security is critical.
• Trade-off: While stronger at the knot, the added softness can make it less abrasion-resistant than a pure hard fluorocarbon.

Choosing the Right Fluorocarbon

• Fishing in heavy structure? → Hard fluorocarbon will save you from bust-offs.
• Chasing finicky fish in clear water? → Supple fluorocarbon offers stealth and movement.
• Running braid with critical knots? → Super fluorocarbon helps knots lock down stronger and reduces slippage.

Like most tackle choices, it’s about matching the line to the conditions and your fishing style.

Final Word

Some days fluorocarbon won’t make a huge difference. Other days, it’s the edge between a quiet trip and a full bin. Knowing the differences between hard, supple, and super fluorocarbon gives you the tools to choose smart — and land more fish.

This post is based on my own experiences and observations on the water, along with information gathered from manufacturers and tackle testing. Other anglers may have different results depending on conditions, brands, or fishing styles.

After years of using simple worm hooks weedless with softbaits, I recently changed over to a new style of hook and suddenly found myself dropping fish. At first, I thought it might be my drag, my strike, or even the softbaits I was using — but after some testing on the water, it became clear that resistance in the rigging was the culprit.

Here’s what I learned about worm hooks, shank sliders, screws, and how small tackle tweaks can make a big difference in hook-up rates.

The Problem: Plastic Shank Sliders = Extra Resistance

With my old Gamakatsu worm hooks, hook-ups were consistent. No screws, no shank collars — just a simple EWG design. The softbait was pinned once at the nose, skin-hooked lightly along the back, and free to collapse instantly when a fish struck.

The BKK EWGs were different. They include a small plastic shank slider (a bait keeper ring fixed to the hook shank), designed to hold the softbait body in place and stop it sliding down. In theory, it keeps rigs neat. In practice, with thicker-bodied softbaits like 6–7” grubs and jerk shads, it created extra resistance.

Instead of the softbait collapsing freely, it felt pinned at both ends. That split-second delay in exposing the hook point was enough to cost me fish.

BKK EWG worm hook with plastic shank slider (bait keeper ring). Neat and secure, but adds resistance that can reduce hook-up rates when rigged weedless.

Testing Different Setups

I tried three ways of rigging:

1. Slider in place + hook under skin – neat, weedless, but poor hook-ups.
2. No slider + hook under skin – far better collapse, much better hook-up rate.
3. Slider in place but grub slit along the back – a compromise; improved collapse but still not as good as no slider.

The winner was clear: ditch the plastic shank slider. The bait folded instantly under pressure, and the hook point popped free.

The Hook Screw Problem

Another issue I found was with the screws. The BKK hooks use a clip-style nose screw at the eye. While fine when dragging baits, I had them pop off under strike pressure from fish.

That led me to a cheap and effective fix: AliExpress corkscrew screws. For $5 I bought 50 of them, and they’ve been perfect. The corkscrew design threads securely into the nose of the bait and stays locked in during hits and fights.

BKK screw left vs AliExpress right.

Left: BKK clip-on screw (prone to popping off on strikes). Right: AliExpress corkscrew screw — stronger and more reliable.

Key Takeaways

• Less resistance = more hook-ups. The softer the bait collapses, the faster the hook point drives home.
• Plastic shank sliders tidy up rigs but cost fish. If you’re missing hook-sets, try removing them.
• Upgrade weak hardware. Cheap corkscrew screws outperform clip-ons and keep baits secure.
• Keep experimenting. Sometimes small tackle tweaks make the biggest difference to your catch rate.

✅ Since making these changes, my weedless rigs have gone back to being consistent fish catchers. Whether dragging baits behind the kayak or working jerk shads around structure.

---

Note: These are my personal observations from time spent on the water. Rigging methods and results can vary depending on conditions, tackle, and angler preference.