A fine bamboo fly rod should last for generations, as is evidenced by those we have inherited from our grandparents. Use care and common sense and this rod will last a lifetime. Finally, use this rod. It's not a toy, and not a museum piece, but a fishing rod. Catch lots of fish, and let most of them go. Here are some suggestions to help care for your rod to provide you a lifetime companion for the years to come.
Assembly
To assemble the rod, align the guides and place your hands as close as possible to the male and female ferrules. Push straight together with no twisting. If the guides are not properly aligned, disassemble the rod and try again.
Never twist rod sections to align the guides or when assembling or disassembling the rod. Over time it will cut a groove in the ferrules, and they will have to be replaced.
Usage
- When walking with the rod assembled, carry it with the rod tip to the rear.
- Never stick hooks in the cork.
- Never pull a snagged fly by the rod. Pull the line by hand.
- Don't leave your rod assembled and propped/leaning in corners or against a tree for long periods of time, or in closed up vehicles parked in sun for extended periods of time.
- If two tips are provided with your rod, rotate tips each time you use the rod.
When finished for the day
- To take the rod sections apart, place one hand near the male ferrule. Place the other hand at the opposite end of the section with the female ferrule, and pull straight apart.
- Use a cotton wiping cloth to wipe down the grip, rod sections, reel and the reel seat. If after fishing in the rain or having managed to immerse your rod during fishing, you should dry the rod completely before storage. Never put a cane rod away wet.
- When inserting the rod into the tube, form an "O" with your forefinger and thumb over the end of the tube to prevent damage to the guides. Use your ferrule plug that comes with your rod faithfully.
End of season or general rod care
- Inspect your bamboo fly rod looking for any signs of damage - hook digs, loose or rusting guides or joint cracks or separation.
- With a clean soft cloth, wipe down the blank, including the guides, to remove dirt and debris. Run a cotton ball or small piece of nylon stocking through each guide. Any burrs or wear will snag the cotton or stocking.
- Use a soft cloth (old t-shirt) and a little alcohol to clean the male slide and a q-tip with alcohol to clean the female.
- Polish the rod with a good paste wax such as Butcher's bowling alley wax to polish and protect your fly rod.
- Use mild detergent and warm water with your hand to clean the cork. Do not use abrasives.