North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine October 2016 | Page 32
line and none against the rod. Sometimes
the static pull will bend the hook or tear it
free. If the line breaks, then at least there
was no unnecessary strain placed on the fly
rod.
When pulling to break a line or dislodge a
hook, make sure to maintain some distance
from the snag. I’ve seen strike indicators
ping back and break rod tips. I’ve seen flies
ping back and break rod tips. I’ve even seen
fly lines recoil with enough force to break
rod tips. Make sure to give yourself a buffer
between the snag and the rod tip. If possible,
keep some line in the water to absorb the
energy of the release. Better yet, just grab
the fly line and pull by hand, removing the
rod from the entire equation.
Lubricate your Ferrules
If the ferrules are not properly seated when
a severe shock happens, the problem is
compounded. A powerful casting stroke
with a loose ferrule can cause a breakage
or at the very least, begin to create stress
cracks. Often when playing a fish or jerking
against a snag, the rod will seem to “just
break”. The damage was already done and
the break was just waiting for a little more
strain to ruin your day.
Rub a little paraffin or Grafitolin Ferrule Wax
around the male ferrule. Twist the sections
together starting at 90 degrees, gently
pushing together while aligning the guides.
A properly seated ferrule will spread the load
through the rod the way it was designed to
do. Now the rod won’t just break without a
major transgression.
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