Installing elastic in a Pole Rod: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fishing with top elastic allows anglers to fish with thin lines, fine floats and small hooks , while still being able to catch larger fish, such as carp. Using top elastic in a pole rod provides an optimal fishing experience, as the elastic absorbs the shock of fighting the fish and prevents the line from breaking. But how do you mount this elastic correctly in your rod? In this guide, we take you step by step through the process of mounting elastic in a pole rod, so you can be well prepared for your next fishing adventure.
Top elastic is an elastic cord that runs through the inside of the rod and is attached to the top with a special connector. This system allows you to fish larger fish with finer material. Depending on the type of fish you want to catch, you choose a thinner or thicker elastic. In this article, we discuss the required materials, give a detailed guide to mounting the elastic, and share tips to avoid common mistakes and keep your elastic in top condition.
Supplies and preparations
Mounting elastic correctly in your pole rod requires some specific materials and proper preparation. By carefully following these steps, you will ensure your rod performs optimally and enhance your fishing experience.
Mounting elastic correctly in your pole rod requires some specific materials and proper preparation. By carefully following these steps, you will ensure your rod performs optimally and enhance your fishing experience.
Supplies
- Elastic: This is the core of the system. It comes in different thicknesses, depending on the type of fish you want to catch. For match & coarse you usually use thinner elastic, while thicker elastic is needed for carp.
- Top bushing: This is a small tube that attaches to the top of your rod to protect the elastic and keep it moving smoothly.
- (Dacron) Connector: This is used to attach the nylon line to the elastic. It prevents the line and elastic from being pulled into the rod.
- Bung: This is a conical piece that secures the elastic in the second or third part of the rod.
- Bead: This can be used to hold the elastic in place and prevent wear and tear.
- Lubricant: A lubricant to ensure the elastic slides smoothly through the rod.
- Second glue: For securing the top bushing.
- Saw and Sandpaper: For shortening and smoothing the rod tip.
- Tube Threader: A tool to pull the elastic through the rod.
Preparations
- Select the Right Elastic: Choose the elastic suitable for the type of fish you want to fish. For example, use 0.6mm - 0.8mm elastic for bleak, gobies and pos, and 1.5mm or thicker elastic for carp.
- Prepare the Rod: Cut a small piece off the top of your rod if necessary to attach the top bushing. Sand the edges smooth to remove sharp edges that could damage the elastic.
- Attach the Top Bushing: Apply a drop of super glue and place the top bush on the rod tip. Make sure it is secure and the elastic can slide smoothly through the bushing.
- Place the Bung: Measure where to cut the bung so that it fits exactly into the second or third section of the rod. Sand the edges smooth and insert the bung into the rod.
- Use a Tube Threader: Pull the elastic through the rod using a tube threader. This makes the process much easier and prevents the elastic from kinking or getting damaged.
- Attach the Connector: Attach the Dacron or elastic connector to the end of the elastic. This ensures that your nylon line is securely attached and not pulled into the rod.
Step-by-step guide to assembling elastic bands
Fitting elastic into a pole rod can seem a bit intimidating at first, but with a clear step-by-step approach, it is quite doable. Follow the steps below to mount the elastic correctly in your rod.
1. Preparing the rod tip
- Step 1: Cut a small piece off the top of your rod. This is necessary to make room for the top bushing. Use a fine saw to carefully saw off the top.
- Step 2: Sand the sawn-off edges smooth with sandpaper to prevent sharp edges from damaging the elastic.
2. Attaching the top bush
- Step 3: Apply a drop of super glue to the top bushing and slide it over the top of the rod. Make sure the top bushing is firmly attached and that the elastic can slide smoothly through the bushing.
3. Positioning the Bung
- Step 4: Measure out where you need to cut the bung to fit exactly into the second or third section of the rod. Use a saw or a sharp knife to cut the bung to size.
- Step 5: Sand the edges of the bung smooth to prevent it from damaging the elastic.
- Step 6: Insert the bung into the second part of the rod. Make sure it is securely attached.
4. Pulling the elastic through the rod
- Step 7: Use a tube threader to pull the elastic through the rod. Insert the threader through the rod and attach the elastic to the end of the threader.
- Step 8: Carefully pull the threader with the elastic through the rod until the elastic runs completely through the rod and exits the top tube.
5. Attaching the Elastic Connector
- Step 9: Attach the elastic connector to the end of the elastic protruding from the top bushing. Remove the protective cap from the connector and slide it over the elastic.
- Step 10: Pass the elastic through the hole in the connector and secure the elastic with a surgical loop or an elastic mounting knot.
- Step 11: Mount the connector with the elastic under slight tension (10-20% stretching) to ensure a smooth return of the elastic.
- Step 12: Do not cut the end of the knot too short (leave about 2-3mm) to prevent the knot from sliding through. Now slide the protective cap over the knot and clip it onto the front part of the connector.
6. Fixing the elastic in the bung
- Step 13: Feed the elastic through the bung and pull it tightly into the rod.
- Step 14: Bring the elastic to the desired tension and secure it to the bung. If you use a pullabung, attach an elastic connector to the bung to prevent the elastic from shooting inwards.
- Step 15: Test the tension of the elastic by attaching the line to the connector and gently pulling it out.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When mounting elastic in a pole rod, there are several mistakes that can affect the performance of your rod. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Size of Top Bushing
Error: Choosing an incorrectly sized top bushing can cause the elastic to not glide smoothly through the rod or wear out quickly. Solution: Make sure the inner diameter of the top bushing is always larger than the thickness of the elastic. Check the specifications of the top bushing and the elastic to ensure a good match.
2. Sloppy Shortening of the Rod Top
Mistake: Not sanding the cut edges smoothly can cause sharp edges to damage the elastic. Solution: Take the time to carefully sand the edges of the sawed-off rod tip smooth. Use fine sandpaper and make sure there are no sharp edges left.
3. Inadequate Fastening of the Bung
Mistake: Not securing the bung securely can cause the elastic to shift or come loose while fishing. Solution: Make sure the bung is securely fastened in the second or third section of the rod. Check that the bung remains firmly in place and adjust if necessary.
4. Too Tight or Too Loose Tension of the Elastic
Mistake: Tightening the elastic too tight or too loose can negatively affect the performance of your rod. Solution: Bring the elastic to the right tension by stretching it slightly (10-20%). Test the tension by attaching the line to the connector and gently pulling it out. The elastic should return smoothly without being too tight or too slack.
5. Wrong Tying Technique for the Elastic Connector
Error: Not tying the elastic connector correctly can cause the line and elastic to be pulled in through the top. Solution: Use a surgical loop or an elastic fitting knot to securely attach the elastic to the connector. Make sure the knot is secure and do not cut the end of the knot too short (leave about 2-3mm).
6. Neglect of Elastic Maintenance
Error: Not maintaining the elastic regularly can lead to wear and reduced performance. Solution: Check the elastic regularly for wear and replace it if necessary. Lubricate a few drops of lubricant in the tip before each fishing session to ensure the elastic glides smoothly through the rod. Always store your rod parts with the connector facing up to prevent the elastic from rubbing against the top.
By avoiding these common mistakes and applying the right techniques, you can optimise the life and performance of your pole rod elastic. This will ensure a better fishing experience and increase your chances of success.
