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How does one go about restoring cork that is on a fly rod handle?

It belong to my dad and thought I would try to use it after 20 years of sitting around.

Public Comments

1. You can buy replacement cork in any real fishing pro-shop, it comes rolled-up and you glue it on. You should be able to find it online.
2. you would either need to replace the cork rings then turn them on a lathe or purchase a new cork handle and just replace that. but that would entail removing all the hardware from that section then re-wrapping the guides. might need to remove the reel seat also. with the amount of labor and expertise involved, you would be best off letting a professional rod builder do all this. you might first check to be sure the rod is worth the expense involved. that all might cost as much as 50 bucks, depending on how far it would be necessary to go. perhaps more if all the guides need to be redone to have all the wraps matching.
3. Replacing a cork handle is a simple task depending on which method you use. Also a lathe isn't always required to shape the handle, they can be bought shaped or they can be shaped using a razor blade and then sanding. I would suggest you buy the best cork you can, you can feel the quality as it not only lasts longer but it also doesn't need as much filler. If you don't feel confident doing it your self then i would suggest taking it to your local fly store, they often will replace the handle for a very small charge. Info on whats needed to rebuild the handlehttp://globalflyfisher.com/rodbuilding/build-a-fly-rod/
4. There are 2 ways to do this. The best is to buy a replacement cork grip from a local tackle store of you can get them online at a place like jannsnetcraft.com. They range in price from $7.50 to about $20, depending on the grade of cork. They are already sanded and shaped you will just have to ream out the inside to fit the diameter of the rod. A round file works well for this. You want a snug fit, but allow room for the glue. Remove the old cork handle with a utility knife or razor blade and clean the area above the seat. Use a good 2 part epoxy, not a 5 min type, to glue the grip into place. The problem you may have is any guides that are on that segment of the rod. They will have to be removed in order to slide the new cork into place, then re-wrapped. Another way is to repair any damage to the existing cork with a wood dough, sand smooth then use a piece of shrink tubing over the repaired cork. Most tackle shops carry it and you can get it online where rod repair products are sold. I like the stuff they call Gator Skin. Has a diamond pattern on it with a velvet finish. It gives a good grip, adds no weight, and does not reduce the sensitivity of the rod. Just a quick easy fix that I have started using in my rod repair business, and has been very popular with my customers. A good shop could do the replacement of the cork for about $35.