Rod Care Made Easy – A Must-Read for Every Angler
Your fishing rod is more than just a tool; it's the best friend you have on every fishing excursion. The trip rods we sell at Rigged and Ready are made to last and come with the best warranty in the world, which even covers damage caused by the user. But here’s the thing: no matter how tough your gear, it is proper fishing rod care that keeps it performing at its best.
Here’s the guide that helps you to keep your rod clean, safe, and ready for fun for years to come.
Start Strong: Get Set Up Right
Setting together a multi-part rod? Stop being in a hurry. Check whether all of the components fit together perfectly, with no gaps, no unnecessary force, and guides that are perfectly lined up. A clean setup from the start saves a lot of problems from developing later.
What Can Go Wrong?
1. Impact Damage
Most breaks don't happen when you're casting; they happen while you're not. A knock on the door of the car, a jolt against a rock, or a slip while walking. These modest strikes can produce tiny cracks that only show up when you land your next large fish.
Tip: Always be careful when moving and storing your rod. This is the first step to not having to fix it in the future.
2. Excessive Pressure = Rod Abuse
Most of the time, items break because individuals don't know how to use them properly. Here are some things you should not do:
• Lifting fish out of the water instead of using a fishing net
• Pulling from snags without properly pointing the rod
• Casting weights that are too heavy
• Making your drag too tight
• Pulling in until your lure hits the tip
3. Keep That Natural Curve
Your rod is designed to flex smoothly from the handle to the tip. Don't try to "test its strength" by pushing it sideways or bending it at odd angles. That's not a test of strength; it's a break that is about to happen.
Also Read: Free Fishing
Common Rod Mistakes to Avoid
Holding the rod in the middle of the blank while under pressure.
• Testing its strength by bending it by hand.
• Pulling hooks or lures back towards the handle.
• Reeling in so far that the fishing tackle hits the tip.
• Grabbing the rod by the tip part
Travel Smart, Store Smarter
Most Rigged and Ready rods come with a high-quality Cordura case and sleeves to protect them. They look good and work well:
• Stop damage from one region to another.
• Keep safe from moisture and impact.
• Keep things tidy and clean.
Your rod is made to travel, but you should also safeguard it.
Routine Rod Clean & Maintenance Tips
Even the strongest rod needs some care. Every fisherman should follow these three habits:
1. Always clean your rod afterwards.
Dirt, grit, and salt are unwanted enemies for your rod. A good rinse with salty-free water later, the rod can be wiped down with a piece of cloth. Do not use a high-pressure washer as it is capable of causing serious damage.
2. Proper Storage
Apart from making sure it is totally dry, an appropriate storage box should be chosen to prevent any impacts, UV rays, and heat. Never leave it in a hot car, especially if the sun is shining on it.
3. Deep cleaning of the rod monthly
Every month, clean everything with warm, soapy water, a soft brush, and a microfiber towel. Look at the joints, clean out any dirt, and look for rust. Taking care of your rod like this can keep you from having to fix it later.
Also Read: Hiking Fishing Rod
Telescopic Rod? Read This First
Opening the Telescopic Rod:
• Never aim to bend it sideways.
• Make sure the guides are well-aligned.
• Each segment should slide firmly into place, not jammed in.
• If you give the rod a gentle shake and hear rattling, one section is not locked in place.
Closing the Rod:
• Collapse from the base towards the tip.
• Hold each section at its thickest part.
• Twist - never pull hard.
• Stand it upright on a flat surface for balance.
• Clean the joints before storing.
Got a Stuck Joint?
No stress — fixing a fishing rod with jammed joints is easier than you think.
Prevention First:
• Do not overextend
• Keep all joints dry and clean
• After saltwater trips use all fresh water to clean the rod
• Occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40
Already stuck?
• Don't pull, just twist gently.
• While holding the rod up, tap it lightly.
• Use warm water to make the thicker joint bigger.
• Try WD-40 and wait an hour before trying again.
If all else fails, our team is ever ready to provide assistance for all your repair fishing rod needs!
Ready to Fish?
Proper maintenance and good habits will keep your rod in top shape and avoid sudden damage.
From casting on the shore of the lake, stroking passes on the shore, and in preparation of another fishing trip abroad, these tips keep the rods fit for another adventure.
Show Us How You Set Up!
We enjoy seeing how you use your Rigged and Ready gear. Tag us on social media or email your images and stories to andy@riggedandready.net - especially if you've just perfected a fishing rod fixing trick or gone on a wild trip!
Need help or advice?
Have questions regarding fixing fishing rods, travelling, or picking the proper gear? You can always email us if you need support.
