Whether you are putting your fly rod away for the winter or you finally realize that your cork handle is what has been stinking up your truck’s cab, you should definitely take the time to clean your gear.
Just like anything else, fly rods need maintenance. While they are not technical or complex by any stretch of the imagination, there are certain components that can get damaged by repeated, routine use. Simple and commonsense steps are all that is needed. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of commonsense and simple things. Thankfully, that is all it takes to keep a $100 or $1,000 fly rod in action.
Here are five things that you can do to keep your fly rod happy and keep yourself on the water:
Cork
Hopefully your handle is dirty. Why? That is the natural result of using a fly rod a lot. And let’s hope that fish slime is the primary cause of that filth. Regardless of if it is glyco-protein, sweat, or general outdoors gunk, your cork can easily get gross. It will stink, get slippery, and even begin to crack or grow things.
The solution is simple. Wet an old toothbrush and scrub some Dawn onto the cork with mild pressure. Wipe down the grip, and repeat without the soap.
Reel Seat
Fly rods can hardly be considered mechanical. The butt of your rod is the most complex mechanism you’ll encounter. There are inevitably a few threaded parts with corresponding nooks and crannies. Dirt and moisture can cause things to stick or get off-thread.
Screw the foot/feet to one extreme and wipe down the reel seat with a damp cloth. Then, screw the foot/feet to the other extreme and repeat the process. Dry everything off with a clean towel and use the slightest (way less than you think) bit of lubricant if the feet don’t turn easily.
Ferrule Ends
Second only to the tip, the female joint is probably where you’re going to break your rod. Sometimes it is a freak accident. Other times, it is the result of a poor connection. This can happen if you don’t take the time to put your rod together correctly. This can also happen if you have grit or moisture on the male ferrule or in your female ferrules.
A clean cloth with the tiniest bit of Dawn will clean the male end. Insert a slightly damp cotton swabs into the female side until one comes out clean. Dry both ends off very well and do not lubricate or wax.
Guides
Even the smallest snake guides will collect tiny debris over the course of a season. This can lead to buildup, which can lead to damaged fly line or even rusty guides.
Using a damp toothbrush, scrub every guide from all angles.
Case
Now that your fly rod is clean and dry, put it somewhere safe. And that safe place should also be clean.
Check your hard case and your rod sock for leaf litter, mud, or the smell of mold. Wash your rod sock if you need to. A stinky or defiled hard case might be a lost cause, as accessing the bottom might be a real trick.
You can’t eliminate all possibilities of damage, but with some routine general care your fly rod will last you season after season.