Rod handle

[flygirl]

I'm breaking in my new 3wt rod & haven't removed the plastic off the handle yet. Does anybody do anything special to the cork rod handle to help preserve them ??

[DA]

No. My fly rods are 15, 20, 25 and 60 years old and the grips are still in good shape. I've never cleaned them. The 60 year old rod was given to me 40 years ago.

[Redwings1]

I am just careful not to gouge the handle on rocks or things in the car/garage. As long as the cork remains in tact then the handle will b in good shape. A few times a season I will also use a rainy day to take some warm water with a small bit of mild soap to freshen them up a bit 8)

[TonyM]

Plastic over cork -- arrrggghhhh. Might has well have an aluminum/rubber spinning handle.

Seriously, there are products that will seal the cork and make it easy to maintain original color and get off fish slime and other dirt. I use Trondak U-40 Cork Seal when I build rods (http://www.hookhack.com/buildingsupplies.html#Anchor-FLE-54194) is one supplier. One coat brushed on and dried and you're all set. Doesn't change the natural feel much, I find. You can scrub with soap and brush to get off most of the dirt without it, but much easier if sealed when new.

Tony

[Z Fisher]

I kind of like that well worn, fish slimed look to a cork grip, though this advice is from a guy who only washes his car once a year. That being said, I've seen Tony's rods and they're very nice.

I'm not all that concerned with the aesthetics of my tools, only the maintenance of them. Far more important that maintaining a good looking handle IMHO is wiping the rod down from time to time to get rid of accumulated crud that finds its way onto the guides. I also make sure no grit accumulates in the ferrules so they don't get worn away.

I also try to avoid leaving the rod in the trunk of the car for extended period as I already had a reel seat loosen itself. I attribute that reel seat loosening to a week of hot then cold cycles in the trunk. A nice epoxy got everything back into fighting form, but I'm far more diligent about emptying the trunk when I'm done fishing.

[TonyM]

I haven't done it yet, but in perusing rod repair forums, they state that the way to remove a reel seat that needs replacing is to judiciously apply heat. It breaks down the epoxy bond to the rod. Doesn't work in every case, but more often than not. So, good idea to keep rods out of extreme heated car trunks or windows.

[FK]

Another way to damge the finish on any rod is to store it in the aluminum rod tube when wet.

Fly lines are also very sensitive to excessive heat (trunk) and sunlight (back seat) if storred in cars.

Regards,
FK

[Capt Bob]

I clean all of my fresh and saltwater fly rod handles periodically witrh a little toothpaste. I rub a dab of white toopaste on the handle and sread it aound withe a dry towel, rinse and it cleans up the handle very nicely.

[ANDREW W MANCHESTER JR]

Hello
Good question.
First I clean grips with a soft sponge and dish soap.
Brushes have a tendancy to lift the filler and can cause ridgeing.
I like to seal the cork with U- 40 Cork seal.
The sealent enhances the cork feel,Toughens the cork,Reduces chipping,degradation of the cork,Seals against dirt and oils.
You can purchase it at most any rod builders supply.
Or just go on line to www.U-40.com

Tight Lines and Sealed Loops.
Andy M