Aug 09 2008
Holey Handle
As most fly fishermen can attest to, cork handles are undoubtedly the most comfortable handles to use when casting. Although there are many types of handles, such as foam and composite, nothing seems to offer the support, durability, and comfort of cork.
However, cork falls subject to a number of unavoidable mishaps throughout use. The two major factors that play into the wearing of cork handles, are moisture, and insect. Contrary to what might be readily accepted, dirt and grime are actually good for your cork handle. This layer not only helps to break in the handle to make it more fitted, but will also create a protective coating over the handle, thereby keeping off termites and other wood-eating insects.
I own a number of cork-handled rods, and recently found small larva living inside the handle. Because of this, I had to cut a section out of the handle, and reconstruct that section, an art that I will explain more about tomorrow. Today, however, I wish to discuss the precautionary measures that can taken to maintain a cork handle, and thereby extend its use.
First, I stated that water was a leading cause of decomposition of cork handles. This is mostly due to the fact that the water can soak into the handle, and actually rot the handle from the inside out. To avoid this, be sure to not store a cork handled rod without first making sure that the handle has dried out. Furthermore, do not store such rods in musty sheds, or other such placed that tend to maintained a humid atmosphere. This leads to the next point.
Be sure to store such rods indoors in a place where bugs will not not be able to get to the cork to eat and lay larva. This is actually more of a problem than people seem to understand. Following proper storing instructions will definitely extend the life of your cork handle, and will allow it to serve you better.
This past week I spent time scouting out, and fishing, a local pond here in northeastern Connecticut. It was my first time fishing this specific body of water, so I met up with the owner of the property to discuss the ins and outs of fishing there. After a few minutes of conversation, he began [...]
Although I enjoy the reliability and strength of my modern graphite, Pfueger rod, there tends to be a great joy in casting my grandfather’s handcrafted split bamboo rod. The rod is a ten and a half foot bamboo rod that he acquired long before I was born. My grandfather passed away before I was old [...]
As we are approaching fishing season, there are certain etiquettes that should be discussed.
One of the most important rules of fly fishing is that a fisherman should never, under any circumstances, ‘cull.’
Culling is the very inconsiderate practice of keeping a trout in a creel, and then, after catching larger trout, returns the spent trout to [...]
Spot fishing is a good technique when you find yourself in a situation where there are a number of visible fish rising. The basic idea is to always be ready for a repositioning of the fly to the place of the most current activity, whether that is along the shore, or toward the mid current [...]
The Usual is a very simple fly to tie, and can easily be accomplished by anyone who is starting to tie flies, due to the fact that it is very forgiving. When I tie the Usual, I prefer to use a #10 Mustad hook. I have found this size to be most efficient when fishing [...]