Proper Fishing Rod Care, Usage and Safety

By: Will Whitehead “Pro Staff”

1. The number one reason for rod breakage, is putting undue pressure and stress on the rod after becoming “Snagged”. When your lure becomes snagged, DO NOT pull on the lure by raising your rod and putting bend in your rod. Point the rod directly at the lure and pull straight, putting the stress on the line, instead of the rod. By using this method, you will never break a rod on a snagged lure.
2. Avoid extending your hands and arms above your head and “High Sticking” your rod while fighting a fish, especially a BIG fish. Your rod will break if subjected to an arc tighter than it was not designed to handle.
3. NEVER place your hand on the rod blank above the forward grip, or rest your rod on the edge of the boat gunnels, while fighting or landing a fish. This action will focus the pressure to a single point, rather than allowing the rod to spread the pressure out, over the entire length of the blank.
4. Do not use line with a heavier pound test rating than what is recommended for a rod. Doing so, with a rod designed for lighter line, can cause excessive stress on the rod.
5. Take care when transporting your rods. A deep nick or scratch can weaken a rod and will greatly reduce its strength. Remove the reel, place the rod in a protective cloth case, bundle several rods together and transport in a sturdy rod case. If transporting rods in the back of your vehicle, lay them on top of an old blanket or sleeping bag and cover with another one. This will keep them from bouncing around and will keep out dirt, dust and road grime. Never transport your rods in an open boat.
6. After using a rod in a saltwater environment, wipe the rod thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly, paying particular attention to guides, reel seat and fittings.
7. NEVER fish during a lighting storm! This can be VERY detrimental to your health and well being. “Graphite” rod blanks can actually contain carbon fibers, which are excellent conductors of electricity.
8. To assemble a two-piece rod, remove any dirt from the male ferrule section before inserting it into the female ferrule. Check female ferrule for dirt and debris. Slowly twist and push the rod sections together until the guides are properly aligned. Periodically lubricate the male ferrule with a thin coat of bees wax, rod ferrule wax, or by rubbing the ferrule along the side of your nose.

Tight Lines,

Will Whitehead
E-Bait Express Pro Staff