jgestar wrote:
Most factory rods have a soft plug in them, similar to silicone caulk. That plug keeps water and foreign material out of the rod tube. With a blank like a Golden Eagle, the plug will not provide much support during casting. You will be fine casting wise without the plug. When you get a chance, fill the male ferrule with some silicone caulk.
Of course, store the rod in a bag and tube. The open ends make a very nice nesting cavity for some bee and wasp species...
Tom
What Tom said.
On rods I own with an open male ferrule, I take a bit of Scotch transparent tape and spiral warp it around the ferrule to keep it clean, plus I make an additional collar of tape, allowing it to extend maybe 1/4" past the end of the ferrule to act as a collar.
I squirt "some" clear RTV (100% silicone "caulk") in the open end, (no need to fill it completely) and I allow it to cure standing up for 12 - 24 hours. When it is fully cured, I GENTLY take off the tape collar and cut off the blob of excess silicone sticking out of the end flush with a razor blade. Then I take off the rest of the tape and if there is any adhesive residue on the ferrule, a rag and a LITTLE Isopropyl alcohol will remove it.
Good luck if you go that route!