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May 2005

It’s time to get your fishing gear in shape before heading out to fish for the first time.

It has been a long winter and if you haven’t found the time to get your fishing rods in shape here’s a quick crash course to clean the cork handles on all types of rods.

Remove the reel and set it aside.  Move to the kitchen area because we’re going to need warm running water for this next phase.  We’re going to need a tube of white toothpaste and a toothbrush to start cleaning the handle.  This procedure will remove dirt, body oil, grease and the dozen other items that find their way to the rod handle during a busy season of fishing. You will notice in this picture the items to use.  You can see the top of the handle is dirty and pitted.  The bottom portion of the handle is clean and smooth after using the process mentioned below. 

Dampen the entire cork handle under warm running water.  Take the toothbrush, preferably not the one you use on a daily basis to clean your teeth, and get it wet under the warm water. Spread a thin layer of toothpaste on the handle working small sections at a time with the brush.  Work the toothpaste into a lather, like brushing your teeth, by working it into the pores of the cork handle, remember do a small section at a time, you want to be thorough.  Rinse the area thoroughly under the warm water and move to the next area and repeat the process until the entire handle is done.  If the handle is badly soiled you may have to repeat the entire process a couple of times.  (Insert picture of dirty top portion) The toothpaste contains a mild abrasive and a mild bleaching agent that will revitalize the cork, without harming it and make it look just like the day you purchased it. (Insert the picture of the cleaned bottom portion) Be sure to rinse the entire handle very thoroughly because any residue left on the handle will turn white when dry.  I like to dry the handle off with a paper towel.  Once the handle and brush are rinsed thoroughly you should clean the reel seat area with the brush to remove any dirt that can get trapped in this area with its many small hiding locations.

Check for any cracks in the ceramic guides on the rod by running a Q-Tip into and around each of the guides.  If there are any cracks or flaws in the guides the Q-Tip will get caught on the imperfection.  Wipe the entire rod down with a damp clean cloth several times and your rod should be good to go for another season.