So often we read or hear about proper care of fishing reels, yet what good is a well maintained fishing reel if you do not have a good fishing rod for that reel to be used with? No matter how much or little you have spent on your fishing rods, you can help your rods have long and productive lives by following some basic maintenance tips.
1. Rinsing your fishing rod is an important part of rod maintenance. This step may seem a bit of a pain, but really only takes a few minutes. Fishing in salt waters is a given, with the salt residue being an issue on your rod. Yet many freshwater fishermen do not realize that algae from the water can also end up harming your rod. By rinsing your rod with fresh, clean water you can remove dirt and residue that can be attached to guides and blanks. If your rod is a little dirtier than a rinse can handle, try using a small soft brush to get the deposits. Don't forget to wipe dry with a cloth.
2. Check your cork handles. It is amazing how many fishermen will treat their guides and blanks with care, while forgetting that essential piece of the rod. Using a mild dishwashing soap and a plastic sponge will keep you cork handle looking good and help stop corrosion due to dirt, water, and other elements.
3. Another way that rods can be damaged is most commonly done when putting in boats or vehicles, yet this can result in the guides being broken off completely or bent. Transporting your rods all bundled up can also see the blanks themselves can being rubbed excessively and they are wide open to other damage like breaks or cuts. Of course the best way to avoid this problem is by carrying your fishing rod in a protective sleeve, case or just carrying them about separately.
4. I must confess that this step has been the hardest for me to follow. Storing a fishing rod with the fishing hook or lure is a wrong method of rod maintenance. The guides can really take a beating from the hooks and have chips, cracks or even breaks.
5. One of the most overlooked ways of caring for your fishing rod comes at the end of your fishing season. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, just when you will be putting your rods away for a long period of time. When this time comes you should slack the reel seat. By releasing this pressure, you can avoid problems with proper fitting of the reel seat and reel foot.
6. Avoid the possibility of developing a permanent bow in the rod, by releasing any tension that the fishing line may be under.
7. Proper storage of your fishing rod is the paramount. After all, if not stored properly your rod will be exposed to many opportunities that could damage or break your rod. It would be best to keep your rods stored in a vertical, upright position. Seek out some sort of rod rack for this. The goal is to support the rods on both ends. Also try to have them up against a solid surface, like a wall or cabinet so they do not have an unnatural "bend" during the time the rods are in storage.
8. Like most materials, your fishing rod is not made to handle hot temperatures. Avoid areas, like your boat or automobiles trunk that have prolonged exposure to the sun. Speaking of heat, I am sure you realize that storing your fishing rod in the sunlight for long periods of time can result in the breaking down or corroding of rod parts. So avoid outdoor walls as an option.
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