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. 32