Snapped another rod! What can I do to stop ruining rods?

4 Answers

1. 
   

   
   

   Zebbadee on Feb 07, 2013 Reply

   Ha ha – I once read an article by a fishing journalist who claimed the number one cause of rod breakage is stupidity!

   Here’s some of the basic ways to keep your rod from breaking:
   – never put it together indoors – this often leads to breakage.
   – don’t walk through doorways with your rod
   – stay away from low ceilings and ceiling fans
   – don’t put your rod flat on the ground – ever – someone will stand on it!
   – check your ferrules – every time you cast, these loosen just a little.

   But don’t be too hard on yourself – accidents happen to everyone.

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   MarkFlooks on Feb 08, 2013 Reply

   You have to use the proper line for the rod. If you use a 20 pound line on a 12 pound rod, something has got to give, and it will probably be your rod. You have to match the rod to the fish, too. If where your fishing has fish that run to 30 pounds, a lighter rod than that will almost inevitably break. Regardless of the care you give your rods, if it’s not up to the job there’s a good chance it will snap.

   Another thing to consider is how you’re reeling the fish in. Jerky, erratic movements can put stress on the rod, making it more likely that it will break. If you’re hauling in a big one, try to use smooth motions, and when there’s a lot of resistance from the fish, let the line play out a little to take the strain off the rod. Being impatient and trying to haul the fish in in record time could have you returning to the store for yet another rod. Playing the fish will wear it out in time, too, making it easier to bring it in and sparing strain on your rod.

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   MarkFlooks on Feb 08, 2013 Reply

   You might be using too heavy a line with your rod. This will put undue strain on the rod, making it more likely that it will snap off. Putting a 20 line on a 12 pound rod is just asking for it. Make sure the rod has enough flexibility and bounce back too.

   Match your rod to the fish. If you’re going after big fish, 30 pounds or more, you’re going to need a much heavier rod than if you’re fishing for minnows. Big fish are strong and when they’re pulling hard, it can be more than a too-light rod can take. The way you handle a fighter could also make a difference. Avoid jerky, erratic movements, pull the fish in smoothly, and if it’s pulling too hard, let the line run out a bit, the fish will tire in time and you’ll be able to haul him in without jeopardizing your rod.

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   Merle Tays on Feb 15, 2013 Reply

   When you’re landing fish that are fairly heavy or strong (or any fish at all, really), it’s easy to set up your rod so that it either snaps, or gets damaged so that it’ll snap at some point in the future.

   Basically, if you’re holding your rod vertically or nearly so while you’re reeling in a fish, you’re guaranteeing the tip’s going to snap off, sooner or later, probably sooner. This is known as “high sticking” and is a very, very common error of fishermen.

   Try to keep your rod flatter and use a net to assist landing your fish, rather than waving your rod around like a flagpole and ending up bending the tip forward. That’s the best advice I can think of for the moment.

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