How to Care for Bamboo Fly Rods

Many fly anglers still rely on the traditional bamboo fly rod when fishing a stream or lake. Often, parents or grandparents will hand bamboo fly rods down to their heirs after teaching the youngsters how to fly fish. Because of this and the high price point of bamboo rods, anglers will want to take special care of their bamboo rods to ensure their long life.

Things You'll Need

  • Denatured alcohol or lighter fluid
  • Cotton ball or soft cloth
  • Cotton swab
  • Furniture polish
  • Furniture wax (optional)
  • Rod sock and tube
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the ferrules (the metal joints that join the sections) by applying a small amount of denatured alcohol or lighter fluid to a cotton ball or soft cloth and rubbing the metal. For the smaller, inner part of the female ferrule, you may use a cotton swab and alcohol. Avoid making contact with varnish on the wood.

    • 2

      Polish the wood of the fly rod with a soft cloth and the furniture polish of your preference. You may use a thicker, paste polish to avoid dripping or a darker polish if the varnish on the rod is colored. You also may consider waxing the rod once yearly.

    • 3

      Rotate the rod during use, especially when a fish is on the line, to prevent strain and bending on any particular area of the fly rod.

    • 4

      Wipe your fly rod dry with a soft cloth and separate each piece before storing. Place the rod inside a rod sock. To avoid accumulation of dirt or dust in the female ferrule ends and on other tips, place them toward the bottom of the sock.

    • 5

      Place the rod sock into a sturdy and protective rod tube (usually aluminum). Store the fly rod tube in a horizontal position out of direct light, intense heat or humidity.