A fishing rod rarely breaks due to a fish or a manufacturing defect. Reputed manufacturers subject their fishing rods to a lot of tests before putting them up for sale. Moreover, the latest technology allows them to use quality materials and manufacturing processes that ensure that the rod is strong and well-near unbreakable.
It is often the newbie’s or a careless angler’s technique while fighting the fish that breaks the rod. But that being said, even the most experienced fishermen have their fishing rods break on them from time to time. This is the reason many carry backup rods while on a fishing trip.
Fishing rods become susceptible to breakage as they get tiny fractures over time. These fractures are often not noticed by the angler. They usually break at the top due to micro-fractures. If the rod breaks at the bottom, then it is due to it being overloaded (due to using a weight that was too heavy).
Here are 8 reasons why fishing rods break –
Transporting your rod with an unsecured weight or hook
When you are transporting your rod on a car or a boat, the unsecured weight or hook will constantly smack against the rod due to the jerky movements. This will cause tiny fractures on your rod. These micro-fractures will become bigger when your rod is subjected to normal stress while fishing until it snaps one fateful day.
Secure your rod in a pool noddle while transporting it in a car or boat. You can also strap it under the roof of the car with a strap that hangs down from the roof. Your rod will be secure this way.
Traveling with your rod on the seat of your car/ truck
You might think your rod is safe on the seat, but it is constantly being pummeled as your seat bounces up and down on the backcountry roads. This again causes those small fractures on your rod.
Leaning your rod on a hard surface
If you lean your rod on any hard surface like concrete or even wood, the rod gets damaged ever so slightly. Over time these small damages add up and result in your rod breaking up.
Any trauma
Sometimes you unwittingly bang your rod against the ceiling fan or slam a door on it. The damage (small fracture) may not be apparent or noticeable immediately. But if your rod breaks afterward while fishing, you’ll know what to blame.
High sticking
If your rod is raised to a vertical position while landing a fish or freeing a snag, it can break with very little force. It needs as little as 2 pounds of force on a graphite rod to break from a vertical position.
High sticking also occurs when you hold your rod above the handle to get extra leverage while fighting big fish. Keep your rod less than 45 degrees and practice good techniques to prevent your rod from snapping into two.
When your rod doubles over under the boat
It usually happens when you have a big fish that is running towards you while you are trying to retrieve it. When your rod doubles over under the boat, it gets into the same position as high sticking. You have to try to steer the fish in a different direction to avoid this situation.
Mismatched tackle
When you fish with too large a reel with lines too heavy for the rod, the rod break is inevitable. Use the correct reel and line to fish with to avoid this situation.
Manufacturing defect
Manufacturing defects though rare, happen occasionally. Your rod can also get damaged while in transit if not packed and stored properly. Breakages due to this usually manifest early, within a few outings when the rod is almost brand new.
Must Read This Article: Different Types Of Fishing Rods And Their Uses.
To wind off
Though modern fishing rods are made up of cutting-edge materials and the latest technology, no fishing rod is indestructible. Even seasoned pros have rods breaking on them. That is the reason they carry spare rods on fishing trips.
Good fishing rods are not cheap. It makes sense to nurse them carefully so that you get your money’s worth. If you protect your rod from small repetitive trauma (big ones too like slamming a door on it) and use proper fishing techniques, your rod will be all right.
Read also: