Anglers with a lot of experience know how important it is to have the right tools in their fishing kit. However, most of us don’t clean our rods as often as we should. Rod care may seem like a lot of work, but it should be a regular part of your fishing life.
You should take a little more care of your rod now that you know that. However, you should know how to clean it right before you take the time to do it. Therefore, this guide will show you how to clean it and keep it working like new.
Why is Cleaning and Caring Important?
As you fish, think of your rod as your best friend. Like you wouldn’t want to fish with a grumpy friend, a dirty or broken rod won’t work well. This is why good care is important:
Smooth Performance: Casting, pulling, and general performance will go smoothly if the rod is clean and the parts are oiled. These features can’t work well when they’re dirty, which makes fishing less fun.
Preventative Maintenance: Cleaning all the parts of a fishing pole regularly helps keep them from rusting, corrosion, and getting other damages from salt, dirt, and water. This will make your rod last longer and save you money in the long run.
Better Sensitivity: If you clean the tip of your rod, you can feel even the smallest bite from a fish. This is very important for putting out the hook and catching that big fish!
Preserved Look: If you take care of your rod, it will always look new and sharp, just like your favourite fishing hat.
What Materials Do You Need to Clean a Fishing Rod?
Get the right tools for cleaning your fishing rod, just like you would when you pack your fishing kit:
Bucket of Clean Water: Clean water is the best way to get rid of dirt and grime.
Mild Soap: Choose a mild dish soap or a cleaner made just for fishing rods. Do not use harsh chemicals on the stick because they could hurt the material.
Sponges or Soft Clothes: Use these to scrub dirt off the rod without getting it scratched.
Microfiber Cloth: This is the best way to dry all the parts of a fishing pole completely after cleaning it.3
Old Toothbrush: You can use an old toothbrush if you want to get into tight spots around the reel seat or guides.
Read more about How to Choose a Fishing Reel? Complete Guide
How to Properly Clean Your Fishing Rod?
Let’s get to work now that you have your cleaning crew together:
Disassemble: Take the reel off the rod for a better clean (check the guidebook that came with your reel for specific directions).
Rinse: Start by giving your rod a good rinse with clean water to get rid of any loose dirt or dust.
Soap and Scrub: Use a mild soap solution and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the whole rod completely. Importantly, pay special attention to the areas around the guides and reel seats. Moreover, for tough spots, you can use the old toothbrush if you need to.
Focus on the Guides: They are delicate but important parts. Therefore, clean carefully around each guide to get rid of any lines or other things that have built up.
Rinse Again: To get rid of any soap residue, rinse the rod very well with clean water.
Dry Completely: Dry the rod all the way through with the microfiber cloth, focusing on the areas around the guides and reel seat. When water is left behind, it can cause rust or rusting.
How to Store Your Fishing Rod?
If you want your fishing rods to last, you must maintain them when not in use. That requires optimal storage. Top fishing rod storage tips:
Store Vertically
Rods should be vertical to avoid blank bending, whether you use a rack or wall hangers. If you store them horizontally, be sure the tips aren’t weighing down the blank, which can permanently curve the rod.
Use Rod Sleeves or Cases
Rod sleeves store rods, preserve them when travelling, and prevent tangling. However, ensure you acquire the proper size since pressure on the rods might bend them or weaken the blank.
Store in a Dry Place
Your fishing rod, like other materials, can be destroyed by moisture. The reel, reel seat, guide rings, and other parts of a fishing pole may corrode in wet or humid conditions. Therefore, store rods off the ground to avoid dampness. Also, buy a dehumidifier or put silica gel pouches in your rod sleeves.
Avoid Heat
Rods are largely resistant to cold, but heat can weaken them, especially bonded areas. So, keep your rod away from temperatures exceeding 110℉. It may be tempting to store your rods in your car or truck, but summer cars get very hot.
Loosen the Drag
Baitcasting and trolling reels have many little mechanical parts that tight drags might harm. However, snapped lines and bent blanks can be avoided by reducing drag.
Conclusion
After establishing a routine, fishing rod maintenance becomes easier. Cleaning your rods and reels, storing them properly, and making little changes to how you move them will become habits. As your equipment lasts longer, you’ll be pleased you took the time to maintain it.
