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SPLIT-BAMBOO ROD CARE
For the "CaneHead" getting acquainted to the Wonderful World of Split-Bamboo,
basic tips found here will serve as a guide in helping to maintain your custom fishing rod.
Foremost . . . your new custom rod was designed to fish with and enjoy and will withstand the elements of nature to a degree, but it's always good practice to handle and care for it moreso compared to an inexpensive graphite rod you can purchase from your local big box retailer. According to scientific reasoning, Tonkin bamboo is an exceptionally durable material with properties that possess a tensile strength greater than steel. However, the “finish” applied to the rod (primarily several coats of marine spar varnish or spar polyurethane) is not impervious to nicks, scratches and deep gouges which at times may be severe enough to possibly draw in moisture. While fishing, please use care at all times when setting your rod down near or on rocks and abrasive surfaces.
Doing so will prolong the applied finish and keep your custom rod looking good for many years to come.
- Ferrules. The ferrules on your custom bamboo rod are constructed of either nickel silver, chrome plated brass or aluminum. These types of metal composites are "self - lubricating" so it is unnecessary to use any type of oil, grease or lubricant on them. Doing so may actually break down the composition causing rapid wear and shorten the life of the ferrule - calling for an unexpected and often expensive replacement. Keep the outer surfaces of the male ferrule section clean and free of debris by wiping them down with a non-abrasive cloth and Isopropyl alcohol. Occasionally, a cotton swab lightly dipped in alcohol can be used to clean the internal female ferrule section but please make certain that the entire area inside is completely dry before assembling the rod.
- Assembly. When assembling a bamboo rod --- always use a straight, in-line pressure when putting it together and the same procedure when disassembling. Do this by placing the male ferrule approximately halfway into the female section and then sight down the rod to see if the guides are all in line. If so, then carefully seat the ferrule til snug to complete the assembly. Seat the ferrule (male slide to female) with the least amount of force possible until firmly engaged. If you happen to have a three (3) piece rod, always begin the assembly by starting with the smallest section first, ie; tip to the mid section and then mid-to-butt section. When disassembling a bamboo rod with metal ferrules, in most cases you will hear a "pop" when disengaging the ferrules. This is merely air escaping from the seal that was created when you put the rod together.
It is imperative to - never - twist with any force either section of a bamboo rod to assemble/disassemble or when attempting to align the guides as this can damage the ferrule and ferrule station - (cane beneath the ferrule).
It's okay to use a twisting motion when assembling/disassembling a - graphite rod - as the ferrule is part of the rod's manufacture.
For split-bamboo and metal ferrules on the other hand - if the rod appears to be misaligned, simply take it apart using the methods stated above and re-assemble it until you are satisfied that the rod sections and guides are aligned to your satisfaction.
- Storage. Store the rod in its rod bag and tube/case at all times when not in use. With the rod in its cloth bag, cup your hand to form a circle at the opening of the rod tube (especially aluminum/metal types) and slowly place the rod into the tube allowing it to travel through your cupped hand. As you are doing this you will likely feel the snake guides rubbing on the palm of your hand as it passes into the tube. This method provides a cushion to protect from haphazardly bumping the outer lip, inside edge or threaded portion of the rod tube which may further damage the rod or accidentally break off a line guide. When not in use, always stand the stored rod tube vertically in a safe place. While travelling, never subject a bamboo rod to extreme heat like inside of a car for extended periods or on days where temps in a car's trunk can exceed 150 degrees. The intense, indirect heat from the sun's rays can be brutal to the finish on a bamboo rod and is the culprit known soften the rod's varnish enough to adhere to the rod bag while stored inside a protective rod tube. This is especially important in the case of older, vintage bamboo rods.
- Good habits. Acquire the good habit not to lean an assembled bamboo rod against a wall or in any contorted manner etc., for any length of time where it might form an unnatural curve or bow. Doing so can subject the bamboo rod to what is referred to as a "set" which may cause a section of the rod to take on a sweep or warped appearance. While fishing, if you must set your rod down for any length of time, please try to do so by allowing it to rest safely braced in an upright angled position against an object that will secure it from near the center of the rods axis. While taking a break from the fishing action always keep the rod near you and please don't allow your fishing buddy(s), a stray moose, bear or passers-by to accidentally trapse over it during your break! This one falls loosely in the "worse-case scenario" margin as we all know that there is absolutely no humor in a broken fishing rod - especially while on a fishing trip.
- Moisture. In the event the rod was exposed to prolonged moisture, ie; if it was inadvertantly submerged for a lengthy period or you just happened to get caught in a monsoon downpour while fishing - upon arriving to your lodge or home after your day on, or perhaps uneventfully "in" the water, simply take the rod out of its case and allow it to dry in a warm, safe place overnight or for 24 hrs. Go fishing with it the next day or return it to the safety of its cloth bag and tube for your next adventure. I do this out of habit each time I fish, even if the rod didn’t get wet. Keep in mind that bamboo is born in nature as a living substance with natural, wood-like attributes and logic dictates that excessive moisture exposure may cause the rod (or possibly the wood reel seat spacer) to "swell" in time. This may (on extreme and very rare occasions) compromise the structural integrity of the bamboo and diminish its fibrous properties, rendering the rod useless. Realistically, it takes a lengthy "dunk in the drink" for an awful long time to soak up any significant amount of moisture that may wreak havoc on a bamboo rod. As a safeguard, always try to condition yourself after fishing to let the rod get some air and breathe a bit.
- Inspect. Frequently inspect the rod and keep it clean by using a mild cleaning solution like Windex or Murphy's multi-use oil soap. Spray the product directly onto a soft cotton cloth then wipe down the finish to restore its original lustre. I also apply a coat of Town Talk Orange Wax or a non-abrasive car polish such as Turtle Wax, Zymol etc. and buff it out to a nice shine a few times a year to further protect the finish.
Following these basic steps will ensure the longevity of your custom split-bamboo rod and provide many years of good fishing!
Please print this page for quick reference.
If any of these preventative measures require more clarity, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Thank you.
Phil
(303)946.3451
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