Equipment Maintenance: Fly Rods

With many people investing hundreds of dollars in a fly rod it is a shame to see rods mistreated. A few simple steps will keep your rod(s) like new. If you want to keep your rod strung and ready to fish between trips, you should store the rod vertically. In-car rod lofts are also a good choice for storage because they support the rod and minimize bowing. Rods are best stored broken down and in its case. Never store your rod when it is damp.

Check the Guides

Be sure to occasionally inspect each guide on the rod. Many high end rods feature guides with ceramic linings. These linings will wear after time, or they may fall out if mistreated. If the linings are damaged, your fly line will not shoot effectively and can become brittle.

Grip Maintenance

If the cork grip is weathered or dirty, you can clean the cork using a soft brush and a mild soap. Be sure to allow the grip to dry completely before storing. At the end of each season, you should clean the entire rod, focusing on the reel seat and eyes, to remove any dirty or mineral build up.