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Can Fishing Rods Get Wet? (Explained for Beginners)

Sometimes people go fishing in harsh conditions like muddy water, stormy weather, rain, etc., without knowing the fishing rod gets wet in water. 

It’s okay if it is your first time going fishing, but you should have a clear idea about the consequences you will face when your fishing rod gets wet.

Can fishing rods get wet?

Yes, fishing rods can get wet by water which will make the surface of the fishing rod lose its smoothness and also get struck by rust. The rod will be broken in no time, and the hook will not work during big catches, which is why it is very important to wax your fishing rod properly and regularly.

It is usual for anyone to worry when fishing for the first time, and your fishing rod gets wet. But a good fishing rod is built to withstand some water, and it will be completely dried off when you keep it under sunlight for some time. 

The real problem comes when dust, minerals, and other material gets along with water into your fishing rod. These hard particles will react with the iron material of your rod and create some malfunctions inside your fishing rod. 

That is why it is crucial to maintain your fishing rod from starting to the end by following the right methods. 

It’s not a big deal if your fishing rod gets soaked in water until you have maintained it properly. Remember, it’s not all about taking care of only the rod, but the rod will last longer if you have taken care of every part of it.

Is rain bad for fishing rods? 

Yes, rain can cause some serious damages to your fishing rods until it’s water-resistant.

If you keep your rod being soaked for a long time, the surface of the rod will lose its smoothness and reduce its elasticity. Also, the minerals that get along with water inside your rod will react with iron and cause corrosion. 

The particles will jam the other parts and hindered all of its function inside of your fishing rod. You should first disconnect all the inner parts from the fishing rod and let it dry for a specific amount of time.

Also, make sure you don’t keep the rod in the sunlight for an extended amount of time, or by chance, if there are any leftover particles, then it will cause corrosion.

It’s completely okay if your rod is water-resistant because the water-resistant rod comes with a tightly sealed body where the water and other particles will not quickly get inside the rod.

But if your fishing rod is not water-resistant, then too much water can enter the rod and make your rod jam. Besides, due to much water, corrosion may occur.

How do you remove corrosion from a fishing rod? 

Removing corrosion from a fishing rod is not a difficult task. Corrosion mainly occurs when water along with other natural elements enters your fishing rod.

Cleaning your rod regularly with fresh water can save it from corrosion. To give your fishing rod a durable life, maintenance at a regular interval is necessary. 

If you want to remove corrosion from a fishing rod, you may follow the steps below: 

  1. At first, Identify the affected surface.
  2. Add some table salt to the affected surface.
  3. Taking an abrasive sponge scrub, soak it in white vinegar and scrub the rod and rinse the surface with water.
  4. You can also use lime juice, which also fights better against corrosion.
  5. After allowing the rod to dry, take some paraffin and clean the rod joint.
  6. You can use water repellents to remove any external particles from your coil.
  7. A brass wire brush can also be used to remove the rust, and at the end, apply some reel oil on the affected surface of the rod.
  8. You can mix vinegar and some soda and scrub the rusted part with a toothbrush after applying the mixture. 

Finally, it is important to ensure that there is no rust left inside or outside of your fishing rod. It is suggested by the experts that you should maintain your fishing rod regularly or else its durability will be lost. So, you have made your fishing rod corrosion and rust-free.

Can you leave fishing rods outside? 

Yes, fishing rods can be left outside but make sure it is dry, and the temperature is controlled. The temperature should not be highly cold or highly heated. If the fishing rod is kept outside under the rain for a longer time, it will cause serious damage to your fishing rod. 

Again, you should not leave your rod under direct sunlight for an extended period. It shortens the life of your fishing rod. A fishing rod suits the environment inside your house. So, if it is possible to store them inside, do that. It will make your fishing rod long-lasting. 

Fishing rods last much longer when the temperature is steady. Too much cold or too much hot is bad for your fishing rod. Avoid leaving your fishing rod in such places where temperature swings more often. A garage or basement can be a better place to leave your fishing rod. 

But if the sunlight directly comes to your garage, then it can get super-hot, and eventually, the rod will be struck by dusty particles, and guides may decay more quickly. The flex coat will get rusty and more fragile. 

It is better if you store the rods in your house but make sure the ceiling is atleast 9ft tall because a high ceiling controls the temperature inside of your house and also keeps it at a mild level.

If your ceilings aren’t that tall, then you can store your fishing rods under your bed or in your closet because the temperature in there remains not very hot or not very cold.

What are the best ways to store fishing rods?

When you have finished enjoying fishing throughout the whole season, and when the winter arrives, it is time to store your fishing rods.

Remember to clean them before storing them for a longer period of time. You should prepare the reel as well as the rod in order to store them. Storage is a must to protect the rods from unexpected damage. 

Ways to store fishing rods: 

Storing in a Wall Mounted Rod rack:

You are not allowed to store your fishing rod on floors or to lean with the wall. So, it is better to store it in a wall-mounted rod rack. In a rod rack, your fishing rod is placed in a horizontal position and in a better way off the ground. 

Your rod does not bend or twists in such positions. Your floor becomes free if this storage method is followed. Make sure the place is temperature-controlled. 

Storing in the garage:

If your garage is temperature-controlled, it is a good idea to store your fishing rods there. The dry environment of your garage will suit the fishing rod most. 

You can place your fishing rods separately in a vertical position using hooks in the wall of your garage. Make sure it does not fall and breaks. You must keep your fishing rods away from the harsh cold and highly heated environment. 

Storing in basements:

Storing in the basement can be a good idea to store your fishing rods. 

If your basement is dry and the temperature is quite under control, you can use vertical racks that will keep your fishing rod at floor level. As a result, u can easily reach them at the time of your need. 

Storing in a container:

When you are travelling from one place to another, this way of storing your fishing rod might be helpful. You can easily carry more fishing rods, so this way of storage suits you when traveling.

How to protect fishing rods?

You can protect your fishing rods by using the following things: 

Mesh rod cover is an amazing fishing rod protector. It is easy to get it on and off, and because it is found in different colors, it becomes easy for you to search for your desired fishing rod from the storage. 

Also, keeping your rod straight always is the ultimate guide to protecting your fishing rod. If the rods are not kept straight, they may bend, and damage may occur. 

How to wash and clean fishing rods?

Washing and cleaning a fishing rod is an easy task. At first, take a bucket full of water and add some mild detergent to it. Then, you should take a brush and soak it in soapy water. 

Rinse the fishing rod with clean and fresh water. Scrub over the surface of the rod very gently by taking the brush in your hand.

Do not pressure the rod while washing it. Do the task carefully without causing harm to the fishing rod. Then rinse it with clean water and with a dry towel, wipe the rod thoroughly. 

Let the fishing rod dry for a long time. You can use paraffin on the rod joint if necessary. In this way, you can clean your fishing rod very easily.

How do you clean an old fishing rod?

It is necessary to clean your old fishing rod before using it again because old fishing rods might contain noticeable amount of rust and dust particles.

Washing old fishing rod is same as maintaining a regular one but you need to apply dense mixture as there is more rust and external particles. You can use expert’s instructions to clean your old fishing rod or: 

You can use limewater or vinegar juice to remove corrosion. Normally water and detergent is enough but for being old you should apply this mixture and scrub it gently.

Also, you can use brass wire brush to remove the corrosion and in the end apply some reel oil to it.

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