We have all lost the occasional Big fish. Lost fish also tend to be Bigger than they really were. Bigger fish tend to be stronger, longer, and fight harder. Big fish also teach us Big Lessons about fishing.
How many fish have you had that actually Broke your Fishing Pole? Most fish that get away break the line, hook, or just get off. Usually, the loss happens when you are netting the fish. Fish hooked near structure break off when they get snagged in the cover. You lure and line will be gone or lost but the pole normally stays intact.
As a kid, I wanted to learn how to fly fish but could not afford a fly rod. My Grandpa John had an old bamboo fly pole that he gave me. It had seen better days. The agate guides were red and chipped. The pole also had a crack near the handle. The tip had been repaired and made the 7 ½ foot pole shorter.
I fixed it up the best I could. Its amazing what you can do with duct tape. The old automatic reel had green fly line. that was cracked and dirty. I cleaned it and used a conditioner like material to help it float. We used old metal eye pins to tie on a leader. My leader was just 7 feet of straight mono that was heavy and clear.
We went shad fishing on a tributary of the Susquehanna called Deer Creek. I was fishing upstream using a Mickey Finn streamer. It had been a good choice for Hickory Shad in the past. I came to a fish weir where yellow perch were congregated. They were big and tasty, so I filled a stringer.
Suddenly, I hooked a bigger fish that about pulled my pole out of my hand. It was a huge White Shad in the 10 pound class. The shad took me downstream as I hung on for dear life. Finally, the shad made a run, and I felt the bamboo rod break just above the handle. The Duct tape gave way, and the shad broke the line. My 2-piece rod was now a 3 piece.
That’s the only fish that I can remember, that broke my rod during a battle. That’s a lifetime of fishing. Every other broken pole was a result of other reasons.
Closed in a window
Closed in a tailgate
Broken when I tripped and fell
Broken in a fence as I tried to cross
Broken in bushes, as I tried to navigate a trail
Stepped on in the boat or…
Fell off the roof of my truck as I drove away or…
Broken when I cast and hit something with the tip
A nearby angler flew a drone into my ice sled, breaking several rod tips.
My wife broke my long surf rods when stored on the front bumper of my truck. She did not look up as she went under low campground tree limbs.
Most fishing poles get busted from everything but fish! The reel has a drag that gives way from line being pulled. The poles are flexible and durable. It takes a lot to break a pole.
Newer and lighter pole materials are made from long fibers of Boron or Graphite. If these get scratched, they will fail. Older fiberglass rods tend to be more durable.
Protect Your Pole
Always transport your poles in a ridged case. They can be hard or soft sided but protect the pole.
Use a pole that you can afford. Pricey poles tend to be lighter and break more easily.
Inspect your pole for scratches and knicks. Reseal, and make repairs as needed.
Carry your pole with the tip behind you. If you fall, it will not be on your tip.
The pole is not a walking stick
Slapping the pole in anger or horseplay will break you pole.
Avoid throwing, whipping, or smacking with your rod.
Get a pole with a lifetime warranty.
Keep your pole perfect!
Montana Grant
