Fishing Rod Care: How to Clean, Store and Maintain Your Rod

A good fishing rod can give you many years of use, but only if you look after it. Spring is a great time to give your gear some attention before the busier months. Most rod damage does not happen while you are fighting a fish. It happens in the car, in the shed or on the walk back from the water. A few minutes of care after each trip will keep your rod in good shape. If you are still choosing a rod, have a look at our guide on how to choose the perfect fishing rod first.

Clean Your Rod After Every Trip

Water, mud, sand and fish slime all leave residue on a rod. Over time this can wear down the guides and make the reel seat stiff. After each session:

• Rinse the rod with fresh water, especially after fishing in salt water or muddy conditions.
• Wipe the blank, guides and handle with a soft cloth.
• Clean cork handles with a little mild soap and warm water, then let them dry fully.
• Remove the reel and wipe the reel seat so dirt does not build up in the threads.
• Let everything air dry before you put it away.

Avoid strong cleaning products, as they can damage the finish and the glue that holds the guides in place.

Check the Guides and Joints

The guides are the rings that run along the rod and carry the line. A small crack or rough edge in a guide insert can damage your line and cause it to snap at the worst moment. A simple way to check is to run a cotton bud or a piece of tights through each guide. If it catches, the guide needs attention.

For multi-piece rods, look at the joints as well. Keep them clean and free of grit so the sections fit together snugly. When joining sections, line up the guides and push them together gently. When taking them apart, pull straight rather than twisting hard, which can loosen the guides or crack the blank.

Store Your Rod the Right Way

How you store your rod between trips matters as much as how you use it.

• Keep it straight: store rods upright in a rack or flat on a shelf. Leaning a rod against a wall for months can leave it with a slight bend.
• Use a rod sleeve or tube: this protects the blank and guides from knocks and dust.
• Avoid heat and damp: do not leave rods next to a heater, in direct sun or in a damp shed for long periods.
• Loosen the drag: if you store the reel on the rod, back off the drag so the internal parts are not under pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many broken rods come down to the same few slips:

• Closing a car door or boot on the rod tip
• Laying the rod on the ground where it can be stepped on
• Using the rod to pull free a snagged line instead of pulling the line by hand
• High-sticking, which means lifting the rod too far back when landing a fish so the tip takes all the strain
• Carrying the rod fully set up through trees and bushes

Treat your rod with a bit of care and it will reward you season after season. If it is time for an upgrade or a spare, browse our fishing rods range.