Protecting your fly rod is as simple as obeying this rule: “Slow down!” We’ve lost rods, stepped on rods, and broke other fly fisher’s rods. In this episode, we step back to offer up some “Don’t be like us” tips – to help you protect your investment. Just a modicum of thought goes a long ways towards keeping your fly rod safe.
LISTEN NOW TO PROTECTING YOUR FLY ROD
GREAT STUFF FROM OUR LISTENERS. At the end of each episode, we often include a feature called “Great Stuff from Our Listeners.” It’s the last segment of each episode, where Steve reads one of the comments from our listeners or readers. We enjoy hearing from you, and appreciate your advice, wisdom, and fly fishing experiences.
We’d love to hear you tips for protecting your fly rod. As well as your breakage stories. Please post your comments below.
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Excellent advice . Especially the slow down take your time . Concentrate – focus. MOST OF ALL THINK. Lol. Dont feel bad guys . We’ve all had that kinda day . I’ve broken the tip on my graphite rod due to bad casting of bead heads in winter In fact I broke that same rod tip more than once .I’ve broken my rod while in a hurry to get out of a thunderstorm in the truck door . Worst of all broke the tip of my favorite 1 piece 2wt bamboo rod because again was in a hurry trying to remove a fly of all things and a looped formed in my leader and flyline caught a rock and before I could stop broke the tip . Terrible ending to what was a good day. Like your comment about making sure you put your rod away dry . Especially a bamboo rod. Putting a bamboo rod away wet can completely destroy the rod . Mostly from mold. Good podcast guys . Great advice for those who are starting out in the world of fly fishing and to those lucky enough to not have the unpleasant experience of breaking rod or losing in some cases.
Here is a question for you guys . Not relevant to this podcast but a question I would love to hear your comment on . Have you or do you ever get fly fishing burnout.
These are wise words, David! And you’re question about burnout has inspired another podcast. It’s always good to hear from you.
Steve and Dave; a good friend of mine and my fly fishing mentor; told me to store the rod on the windshield, with the reel under the wiper blade. This way it’s secure. And you will never drive off with it.
Hi Guys,
I enjoyed the horror stories related to keeping your fly rods safe. One solution to the possibility of catching the rod tip in the door of your truck or SUV, in addition to preventing placing the rod on top of the vehicle, is to purchase a few magnetic rod holders that attach to the fender of your vehicle. They work slick and will keep your rod from sliding and our of harms way. I have attached a link to one manufacturer, Stonfo, and there are others but I like these because they are rubberized.
https://stonfo.com/en/p/magnetic-rod-holder/
Ed, this really makes sense! Thanks for the rod “tip.” Sorry, couldn’t resist 🙂 We’ll be sure to check out Stonfos magnetic rod holders.
Good podcast – slow down is great advice! I’ve broken rods on fish (sort of ok, it was a really big salmon), getting out of a stream (caught the tip on a thorny branch, snapped it right off), and falling on a bamboo rod (ok, it was rocky, steep and the fish were rising so I was in a hurry). One neat tool that helps is the little magnetic rod holders. Attach to the side of the truck or car, and then ALWAYS put the rod in the holder when it’s not in your hands. Almost had a buddy step on one of my favorite glass rods last week when I didn’t follow my own advice. Luckily for me, he saw the rod, which had slipped out of the rear door of the van and picked it up for me.
Thanks, Hal! You’re the second fly fisher who has mentioned this, so we really need to check out a magnetic rod holder. It sure makes a lot of sense. Wow, glad you’re buddy saw your rod and picked it up rather than stepping on it!
Love your podcasts! Feel like I’m sitting around the table with you!
As for transporting fly rods I utlize a magnetic rack system (hood and roof) which comes w/ bungees. This set up allows me to “run-n-gun” when I’m moving from stream to stream or chasing stripers down the beach. No need to breakdown the rod when your on the move.
While they aren’t feasible when traveling to a fly fishing destination by plane and renting a vehicle, the rooftop rod carriers such as the Ultimate Rod Case or River Quiver are incredibly useful, especially on trips with a couple of friends where you may be moving from one stretch or river to another in a given day. While there is a perception that these tools are only for guides, they work great for those of us who only get out a couple of times per month as well. Having the ability to pull a fully rigged fly rod out of a case after donning waders and other gear keeps these delicate tools out of harms way until they are ready to go. The same goes for the end of a day, or even lunchtime at the car; stow the rods first. It’s pretty hard to step on a rod tip if it’s safely nestled inside its home on the rooftop. They also minimize the amount of time you spend in freezing temperatures getting ready if fishing in the winter.
Just my 2 cents.
Rob
Rob, this is really helpful. You’re right that it might not work for those flying into their fly fishing destination. But if you drive to or live in the area you fly fish, a rooftop rod carrier makes alot of sense! Thanks for the tip.