Care for your Grateful Rod

Bamboo fly rods are not inherently more fragile than other rod materials. 

If you treat your Grateful Rod well, it should be a part of your outdoor experiences for many, many years. 

Always assemble and disassemble with clean hands. Periodically (once per year, more often depending on how you use the rod) clean the inside of the ferrule with rubbing alcohol or ivory soap.

Putting Together a Bamboo Fly Rod

  1. Inspect Ferrules:

    • Ensure the ferrules (metal joints) are clean and dry.

    • If necessary, wipe them with a clean cloth. Do not use lubricants; they can attract dirt and damage the fit.

  2. Align the Guides:

    • Start by aligning the rod guides to ensure everything stays straight.

  3. Join the Sections:

    • Hold the sections close to the ferrules when joining the sections.

    • Push the male ferrule (smaller end) into the female ferrule (larger end) with a straight, firm motion until they are snug fit.

    • Check that the guides stay aligned. If they are not aligned, do not twist the rod- take the sections apart and put back together. 

    • Do not force the sections together. If it feels off, take the section apart, check that the ferrules are clean and dry. 

Taking Apart a Bamboo Fly Rod

  1. Grip the Sections Firmly:

    • Hold each side of the joint a hand width away from each ferrule. This helps to avoid bending the rod when taking the sections apart. 

    • Apply . 

    • Avoid putting stress on the bamboo itself, especially the thinner tip.

  2. Twist and Pull:

    • Apply a straight pull with a gentle twist.

    • If it's stuck, use a rubber pad or piece of shelf liner for better grip, or gently warm the ferrule with your hands to loosen it.

  3. Store Properly:

    • Wipe the ferrules clean after dissassembly. 

    • Store the rod in its cloth sleeve and tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.