Most fly fishers enjoy getting new gear. However, it is most enjoyable when it is on your terms. Having something fail or break unexpectedly is frustrating. It is beyond frustrating when it happens on the water. While manufacturers don’t get a total pass on quality control, in the 21st century most reputable companies produce and sell pretty good equipment.

And it is never the rod builder’s fault when you step on the thing.

Even if your gear has a warranty you should take care of it. No company is going to send a new reel via drone while you’re standing in the river. Even if your gear was really expensive  you should take care of it. No list of space-age features will defeat abuses like salt, heat, or moisture.

Below are three simple ways to think about keeping your fly fishing gear safe, a brief piece of advice for either end of the economic spectrum, and an explanation of the picture above:

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A place for everything…
Generally speaking fly rods come in cases, reels come in pouches, and waders come in bags. Use them. And the gear you don’t have storage solutions for? Buy something. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to come from a fly fishing catalog. I have free tote bags  and duffels from conferences that keep extra fly boxes and spools from rolling around my car. I bought a  shallow plastic container for $15 that holds everything I need for a trip and keeps it all visible. Nothing gets lost, nothing gets accidentally crushed.

First things first…
You’re excited to fish. I’m excited to fish. We’re all excited to fish. But put your waders on first. Why? You’re going to be shimmying and flailing around while you’re getting dressed, and your fly rod doesn’t need to see that. Moreover, it doesn’t need to get sat or stepped upon. Save your rod and reel for last. You’re much less likely to slam it in a car door if it never leaves your hand as you wrap up getting ready. On the other end of the trip, put it away ASAP. I know you want your boots off, but don’t just lay your rod down. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Don’t even think about it…
Rod tips weren’t designed to withstand the torque that comes with wrenching a fly from a log. Most nippers and forceps aren’t going to survive cutting wire. Rinse off your saltwater gear, even if you’re going to use it again soon. Taking shortcuts with your gear is a recipe for disaster. What feel like extra steps or effort in the moment is the kind of thing you know you should do. Stay disciplined. A little more work today saves you a lot of money tomorrow.

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Why care about this? For one, you want to fish with gear that works. It works If you fish with:

Expensive gear
There isn’t anything inherently wrong with  having and using nice things. Not to moralize how you use fly line, but if you’re going to spend $100 on fly line you should take care of it. It improves your angling performance. It is good stewardship of finances and goods. Basic maintenance and common sense will make your investment pay off.

Cheap gear
There isn’t anything inherently wrong with having and using inexpensive things. These days, there is no ceiling on fly fishing potential for just a few hundred bucks. But, the construction and components of more modestly priced gear isn’t going to withstand the abuse that high-end  equipment should. Taking a few more minutes to keep things in shape every time you go out will keep things in shape for a few more years.

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What is with the picture  that goes with this article?

As mentioned above, I keep  the gear I’m currently using in a tub in the back of my car. Reels, spools, extra flotant and strike indicators, sunscreen and bugspray, “special” flies, and more. Assuming it isn’t too hot out, this lives back there. Whenever I have a few minutes (pumping gas, taking a phone call, etc.)  I’ll reorganize things. With minimal effort, everything stays where it should be and I have an idea of what needs to be repaired, replaced, or repurchased.