ROD Maintenance and care

If you buy yourself a Porsche, you would not drive in through mud and then just set it outside in storm and ice. You would not just randomly bump into things or park it in the middle of the street. You would make sure you attend regular service with it and handle it with care. The same should apply for your (high-value) Fly Rod. 

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The ArcticSilver Free-Flex fly rods are built to handle the toughest of conditions, but like all rods in general, they will certainly benefit from some basic care and attention along the way. Fly fishing often puts some real pressure on your gear, as does the forces of nature; humidity, varying temperatures, UV exposure, salt spray, sand, mud, and coral – they all take a toll on your beloved fly fishing equipment.

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Also there are quite a few common mistakes, that can be made under Fly Fishing that will cause your perfectly intact rod to brake. 

 

Here are some useful tips that will help you look after your ArcticSilver fly rod:

Service and maintenance

Rinse your fly rod in freshwater after each fishing trip – especially if you’re fly fishing in saltwater. Saltwater is particularly harsh on guides, and aluminium elements. ​ Do not try to open the Quick-Lock system. It requires special equipment/tools, and it may be damaged if you use a regular screwdriver or similar. ​ Every once in a while, use a toothbrush (or similar) and some freshwater to clean the Quick-Lock system. This is to prevent the Quick-Lock mechanism being damaged by invasive particles e.g. salt, sand, mud, coral. You can also apply some lubricant to the system. We recommend grease. ​ To avoid rod sections getting helplessly stuck, use some ferrule wax, or paraffin (candle wax) on the male ferrules. ​ If rod sections get stuck, never use the guides for improved grip. It can lead to seriously damaging them. Also avoid twisting the rod sections apart, they should only be pulled apart cleanly. If two rod sections do get stuck, try pouring some warm water on the ferrules and use a pair of latex gloves for improved grip. This will usually do the trick.

​Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid knocking the rod against hard surfaces. Even small scratches and nicks will put strain on the blank’s fibres, and it can ultimately lead to rod breakage. ​ When landing your fish, make sure you do not drag your rod backwards in a vertical angle. This puts all pressure on the tip section of the rod and can cause overload letting the tip section break. ​ When done fishing, take your rod apart and stow it savly in your beautiful rod-tube. This will avoid you slamming your rod in a car door or stepping on it. Make sure, you d not stow it long term in your rod tube when there still is moist. Do not ever put the fly rod into a wet or moist rod sleeve or rod tube.Trapped moisture can eventually take its toll on not only the lacquer but also the guides and Quick-Lock system. Moisture can cause rot, which can damage the rod sleeve. The best way to stow a rod over long periods is to hang it in its bag. Make sure it is DRY!