Sports equipment can take quite the beating during routine use, and fishing rods are no different. These rods have many moving parts that are placed under intense stress. They are also used in a variety of weather conditions which may cause them to degrade over time.
A good fishing rod will set you back several hundred dollars, so you should strive to make yours last as long as possible. The good news is that there are many ways to take care of your fishing rod to extend its lifespan. In this guide, we will go over some vital fishing rod care and maintenance tips.
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Fishing Rod Care Tips
If you go fishing regularly, you should be concerned about the way you handle your fishing rod. Such tools are made from modern materials such as graphite, fiberglass, and composites that are designed to be durable. However, such rods can still degrade over time if they aren’t properly cared for. Some usage tips to help extend your fishing rod’s lifespan include:
Avoid Knocking Your Rod Against Hard Surfaces
Fishing rods may be designed to catch fish weighing over a dozen pounds. However, their narrow widths mean that small impacts or nicks along their length can cause them to lose their structure integrity. For this reason, you should avoid knocking your rod against hard surfaces. Whether that’s the side of your fishing boat or the rocks along the coast you are fishing on.
This is also one of the reasons why it is bad to lay down multiple rods together on a boat or truck bed. These rods could end up bumping into each other, causing small nicks which could grow over time with repeated rod usage.
Be Careful Avoid Holding the Rod Too High
You might have seen pictures of people holding their fishing rod at high angles in an attempt to catch a prized fish. However, this practice can lead to your rod weakening or even snapping.
Many novice or professional fishing enthusiasts are guilty of raising their rods at high angles in an attempt to flip the fish directly onto their boat without using a net. This is a bad practice which should be avoided if you want your fishing rod to last a long time.
Most fishing rod manufacturers recommend holding the rod at an angle below 45 degrees when you are reeling in a fish. This is because the rod’s sturdy butt portion bears the load at angles between 0 and 45 degrees. On the other hand, the rod’s fragile tip portion starts carrying the bulk of the load at angles between 45 and 90 degrees. So be sure to keep the angle below 45 degrees at all times.
Don’t Reel Swivels and Hooks Up to the Tip
It can be easy to get lost in the moment when you’re eagerly reeling in your line after getting a bite. However, reeling the swivels and hooks up to the tip can be a bad idea. If these ideas collide with your rod tip, they can cause nicks that compromise its integrity. Doing this repeatedly will definitely cause the tip to give way.
For this reason, you should pay attention when you’re reeling in your line and stop when your swivel or hook is still a few inches away from the tip.
Fishing Rod Maintenance Tips
You will need to also maintain your fishing rod regularly to ensure it remains in tip top condition. A well-maintained rod can last you many years, so be sure to follow the fishing rod maintenance tips described below:
Remove Guide Buildup
The guides along your fishing rod can accumulate particles over time. If you fish in freshwater frequently, this buildup will consist of dried minerals from the water. If you fish in saltwater frequently, salt buildup can cause the guides to corrode.
To get rid of mineral buildup, you should apply dish soap or WD-40 and scrub the guide using a soft brush before rinsing it off. You can get rid of salt water-induced rust by applying a bit of rust dissolving solution to the guide and then rinsing it off with water.
Maintain the Rod Blank
The rod blank is the actual pole portion of your fishing rod. This component may also build up particles over time, so they must be removed periodically.
If you use your fishing rods for freshwater fishing, you should rinse the rod blank with soapy water and dry them after each outing. If you use your fishing rods for saltwater fishing, you should spray the rod blank with freshwater periodically while you are fishing. You should then dry the rod blank before packing up and heading home.
Clean the Rod Handles Regularly
Your fishing rod’s handle is the part of the rod you will have the most direct contact with during your fishing activities. This means it will receive lots of build up from sweat, dead skin cells, and minerals over time.
If your rod handle is made from cork, you can clean it off using a rag or baby wipes. Graphite rods are best cleaned with rags dampened with hot water. You can also use a bit of rubbing alcohol to get rid of thick grime layers if water isn’t doing the trick.
Keeping Your Fishing Rods Functioning At Their Best
Taking care of your fishing rods isn’t difficult. However, it is something you should keep up with regularly if you want them to last as long as possible. Nobody wants to throw out a fishing rod they have relied on for years due to poor maintenance practices. So consider following the above guide and keeping your fishing rods functioning at their best for many years!
