Anyone Do Anything to Protect Their Rods?

[waxworm]

I've heard of a few things like i've seen a guy who put sunscreen on all his rods, and others that use candle wax for protection from scratches, etc.

Not sure if any of this matters, but interested being as I just invested quite a bit in a couple rods and want them to perform for a while (Lifetime)

[Bobb-o]

I have the rod/reel covers from croxton for my ice fishing rods, and the g/f is gonna make me some to put on my open water rods, then they go into a rod tube. a rod tube is one of the best investments you can make for your rods, and plano makes a reel case that goes nicely with most of them.

[Northlander]

I dont like the nylon rod covers because they make your rods into kites when the boat is moving. All I do is take care of them and keep them out of the sun when not in use.

[Questor]

I don't think it's necessary if you store them in the house when not using them. I've got rods over 20 years old that I maintain simply by washing them periodically.

[guideman]

I spray a little "lemon pledge" on a clean damp cloth and wipe them down. Not only will it help protect your expencive investment, it also leaves them smelling lemony fresh.

Seriously it really works, I have been doing it for 30 years. I have 1000's of dollars invested in my rods, so I take it very seriously.

"Ace"

[eyepatrol]

I agree with Northlander.

[Bassboy1645]

WATCH THE TIPS!!!! I had a ford exploder and id keep my rods in the back. some how the tips always managed to fall down through the windows and when id get home power windows up and CRACK! I broke three rods in 2 days becasue of this) another thing. If you must set your rods on the floor of the boat put them to the side or elevate them somewhat and take care not to step on the rods or guides. CRACK : An overlooked thing is also put your reel end of the rod to the front of your boat and or truck to weight it down so to speak. Ive had one fly out. CRACK! You get the idea. Other than that rods are built to work and built to last. just a coating of fresh tap water every now and then. Despite my great care sooner or later one way or another CRACK! New rod time

[Sonicrunch]

oh, FISHING rod.

I thought you meant something else.

[shae1986]

Yeah stop hitting them against the side of the boat and into other objects because that bruising of the rod will cause them too break. I do wish there was a better rod holder system in my boat instead of piling them in there but i usually pull them out at the end of the day anyway and put them in my home made rod holder in the garage.

A. Shae

[Hermy Wormy]

Anyone ever make their own reel cases? I've had some thoughts of making some sort of custom protective tube or covering... any thoughts?

[Bobb-o]

The reel case that plano makes is only like $10 and it will hold 6 reels, thats what i use and have never had nay problems.

[Random guy]

I put a old sock over the reel then each rod goes into a labeled rod bag that goes into its own spot in the rod locker. I try to make it a point to not leave the rods in the boat or back of the truck where they can get hot. I also clean all the cork then seal it every year along with the pledge trick that Ace uses, it does work well. I still have my first pike rod that was given to me when I turned twelve, twenty years later I still use it and it still looks good, burnt a few reels off of it but the rod is holding up.

[Smokey]

How do you clean the cork? And what do you seal it with?

[DinkADunk]

Wonder cloth, vfine scotch brite pad, 220-400 grit sandpaper, etc. Abrading the surface of the cork will make it look good. If you want to apply a sealant the best is U-40 Cork Seal. Others use true oil, or just wax. I like to use the cork seal on the rods I build and any factory rods I have. Some folk's say it's slippery but I haven't experienced that problem, just apply a light coat and buff it out when it's cured.

[BoxMN]

Best thing to do to proect rods is to keep some "guest" rods in the boat and keep your good stuff away from anybody who does not own good rods of their own. hehe, but it is true.

Also, if you have kids or grandkids, get them their own decent setups as soon as they know how to cast, then they will leave yours alone. (Nobody is going to touch my Avid/Curado combination except my brother.)

As far as care, we just use rod socks if more than two or three go into the locker. We also have been cleanign and oiling (no grease, and quality lube) the reels and they work much better than when we did nothing.