Rod Care Made Easy – A Must-read for Every Angler
Rigged and Ready builds rods made to go anywhere, from rugged coastlines to remote rivers, and they’ve got the best guarantee in the world backing them: even covering user damage.
Even better: what if you never had to claim that guarantee?
This blog post will give you everything you need to know about fixing fishing rod, its maintenance and upkeep so that your gear stays strong, smooth, and ready to travel for years to come.
Getting It Right from the Start
Assemble With Precision
If you have a multi-piece rod, always check the following:
• Every section is correctly aligned.
• All the guides are in a straight line.
• The pieces snugly fit together without forcing.
A mere single-liner whether gap or misalignment might be doing more harm than you conceive! I mean, once your rod bucks your mid-cast.
Also Read: Perfect Fishing Hook
What Causes Rod Damage?
Hidden Impact Damage
Rod breakage isn't instant most of the time. The slight knocking while transporting or dropping it by the riverside can cause hairline fractures that do not bother you until you finally hook the fish of your life.
Pro tip: Treat and store your rod with care, even if it's built tough.
Avoid Rod Abuse
Most breaks are not caused by a flaw in the rod. They occur when the rod exceeds its limit. Here are typical pitfalls to consider:
• Deadlifting fish instead of netting
• Yanking away from snags instead of applying proper force structure to the rod
• Wrong drag setting
• Casting out of the rated weight of the rod
• Maintain the Curve — And the Strength
Avoid These Moves:
• Holding the rod mid-blank when it’s under pressure
• Pulling lures or rigs toward the handle
• Holding by the tip section
• Letting the rig hit the rod tip while reeling in
• Manually bending it to “test” strength
• Traveling with Your Rod? Protect It Like a Pro
These protect against:
• Impact between rod sections
• Accidental knocks
• Exposure to dirt, moisture, and sun
• Your rod is built for travel — just make sure it’s protected too.
• Routine Care = Long-Term Performance
Even the strongest gear benefits from a little TLC. Build these three habits into your fishing pole maintenance routine.
Routine Rod Clean & Maintenance Tips
Even the strongest rod needs some care. Every fisherman should follow these three habits:
1. Clean It After Every Trip
Salt, sand, and grit are your rod’s biggest enemies. Give your rod a quick freshwater rinse after every trip and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Skip the pressure washer — gentle is best.
This counts as your routine rod clean.
2. Storing It Right
The rod must dry before it is laid away. Place it inside its case or container carefully so that bumping does not cause damage or mere UV rays do not glare on it. Never leave the reel and rod enjoying the sun or in the heat of a car upside down.
3. Monthly Deep Clean
For dirt accumulation, use warm soapy water and a soft brush and rinse off. Dry it nicely with microfiber towels. Check on rust or dirt in joints, because clean joints mean easy assembly with no feeling of stuck parts.
Telescopic Rod Care: Open and Close with Confidence
Opening Your Telescopic Rod:
• Extend from tip to base — gently
• Avoid side pressure
• Align the guides
• Ensure each section feels snug
• Shake gently to check for any loose sections
Closing It:
• Collapse from base to tip
• Hold each section at its thickest point
• Use a gentle twist, not force
• Stabilize it vertically while closing
• Clean and dry before storing
Stuck Joint? Here's How to repair fishing rod the right way
Prevent it:
• Don’t overextend or overtighten
• Keep joints clean
• Rinse after saltwater sessions
• Use a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 every so often
Fixing a Fishing Rod That’s Stuck:
• Gently twist instead of pulling
• Tap lightly while holding the rod vertically
• Run warm water over the joint to expand it
• Spray a bit of WD-40, wait, then try again
• Now you know how to repair fishing rod in a pinch — without risking further damage.
How to Use Rod and Reel
• To last longer, one must understand how to use rod and reel.
• The power and action of your rod should correspond to your fishing method.
• Take your time, smooth and controlled, through the casting motion.
• Always make sure the drag is set correctly.
• Reel in evenly and never attempt to reel against resistance.
• It is the way that fewer fish will be caught along with the damage of the fishing equipment, so in a way, mastering the technique helps to catch more fish and keeps your fisheries from being damaged.
Practicing fishing for the first time? In the case of rod and reel, read instruction manuals and don't forget to also draw from the experience of the older hands.
In Summary: Keep Your Rod Adventure-Ready
Prevention is better than cure, whether you're learning rod-fix techniques or just keeping away from breakage.
Rod maintenance is not complicated, but it is necessary; following the above tips won't just prolong your rod life but will also overdue all your confidence the next time you go out.
Have a shot of your beautiful catch? We would love to look. Tag @riggedandready on social media or send an email to andy@riggedandready.net
Got Questions? We're happy to answer!
