Let's face it, quality products cost money. Fishing rods and reels can range in
price anywhere from $80 to $600. This makes it important to keep these
investments in good condition. In this multi-part series we'll look at ways to
keep these basic tools looking and performing their best.
Fishing rods such as Falcon (www.falconrods.com)
come with excellent warranties but those warranties, like most rods, are
limited. Fishing rods are not covered under these warranties if they show signs
of abuse, misuse, accidental breakage that are not a result of a defect, and
through normal wear and tear. Most rod companies like Falcon also offer an out
of warranty replacement policy where a damaged rod that is no longer covered can
be replaced at a reduced cost.
A shiny new fishing rod is a very special tool. However, over time that shiny
finish will fade on most fishing rods. However, it can be prevented. Once a
month wipe the rod down with a soft piece of cloth and a good UV protectant such
as Kevin Vandam's Line and Lure Conditioner (www.lineandlure.com)
and it will extend the life of a rod's finish. The application also protects
the rod from small scratches that may occur. With a Q-tip, apply the conditioner
to the ceramic inserts in the rod guides. The conditioner will act as both
protectant and lubricant allowing more casting distance.
Nothing makes a fishing rod look older than dirty cork handles. Dirt, dust, and
grime all make their way onto the cork. However, by applying a small amount of
Dawn dish soap and scrubbing the cork with a wet cloth and a small bristle brush
the dirt and grime should come off with ease. The same can be said about reel
seats. The wet cloth and dish soap should quickly clean the reel seat of any
dirt, algae, grime, etc.
Fishing rods can take a beating in rod lockers, especially in rough water. To
solve this problem boat manufacturers may equip the rod lockers with a rod
storage system or have the system as an option. Not only do they keep fishing
rods from banging into one another but it helps keep the line from wrapping
around another rod's guides which makes withdrawing the rod a hassle. For those
who's rod lockers don't have rod organizers or don't prefer them, the use of rod
socks is highly recommended. Stick Jackets (www.stickjacket.com)
are of high quality and come in numerous colors which allows one to easily find
a specific rod. Stick Jackets fit snugly around the rod like a Chinese finger
trap protecting the rod from unwanted damage to the line guides, rod tip, and
blank. For this reason, Stick Jackets are also recommended with any rod storage
system using a small tube (golf bag inserts). The guides easily catch and the
finish is damaged in the small openings when not used with some type of rod
sock. Because of the unique braided construction barbed hooks, especially treble
hooks, are easily removed unlike cloth sheaths that most of the other rod sock
companies use.
With a little care and maintenance, fishing rods will provide excellent
performance and service for years.
In the next part of this series we'll look at what can be done to keep fishing
reels in top condition.
