Caring for Your Bamboo Fly Rod
Bamboo fly rods are sturdy pieces of equipment that
can survive the repeated pressures of casting as well as hooking
and landing fish over a remarkable period of time, even acquiring
a “seasoning” that makes them better
with age. If properly cared for, a bamboo rod can last through
a lifetime of fishing and become an heirloom for
the next generation.
Bamboo is strong and hardy, but it does require a certain amount
of care. If you follow these simple guidelines, your bamboo
rod will provide you with many happy days on the water and last
for as long as you need it.
Assembling Your Bamboo Fly Rod
When assembling
a bamboo fly rod, always line up the guides before joining the
ferrules. Do not attempt to twist rod sections
after they are joined together. Twisting can harm the glue
over time and result in a broken rod section. Do not put anything (such as beeswax, lubricant, hair oil, etc.) on the ferrules.
Storing Your Bamboo Fly Rod
Avoid putting your bamboo rod away wet. When you are done fishing, remove any water and dry it as much as possible before placing it inside its protective tube. Immediately when you arrive home take it out of the tube and lay it out in a safe place to dry completely. Once rod and tube are both thoroughly dried out, the rod can be stored away in the tube.
A bamboo rod cannot be left in a hot car where heat can become
intense or stored in a place that even occasionally experiences
excessive heat. Subjecting the rod to overheating can destroy
the glue that binds the bamboo strips together, effectively destroying
your valued fly rod.
Cleaning Your Bamboo Fly Rod
Cork handles on fly rods also require care after a period of time.
The cork is treated to avoid dirt buildup, but over time, dirt
will accumulate and it needs to be removed. The best way to do
that is to clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
