How to Preserve Bamboo Fishing Poles

Bamboo fishing rods are often examples of fine craftsmanship from years gone by. They are many times valuable, also, either because they are antiques and collectible, or because the rod was handed to the owner by an older family member. Whatever the situation, you will want to take good care of a bamboo rod so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Household dish soap Sponge Toothbrush Cotton balls Clean rags Small, thin metal file (fine) Furniture polish Waterproof sandpaper, fine grit Bar of hand soap Piece of cork
Household dish soap
Sponge
Toothbrush
Cotton balls
Clean rags
Small, thin metal file (fine)
Furniture polish
Waterproof sandpaper, fine grit
Bar of hand soap
Piece of cork

Step 1

Preserve the rod from grime and dirt that can permanently stain it by cleaning it with warm water and regular dish soap. A toothbrush comes in handy to clean the small areas near the rod handle and the reel seat. Rinse off all the soap residue when you are finished and dry the rod completely with a clean rag.

Step 2

Take a new cotton ball and pull it through the line guides. Look closely for any snags as you do so, as this indicates a nick or burr in the guide. Carefully file down any that you find with a fine metal file.

Step 3

Put a couple of drops of light all-purpose oil onto the reel seat, rubbing it in with a clean rag. Rub a wax candle all over the male ferrules of multiple-piece rods and they will slide in and out of the female ferrules easily.

Step 4

Apply some furniture spray to a clean rag and rub down the rod with it to preserve the finish.

Step 5

Rub a bar of hand soap over a piece of fine, waterproof sandpaper so that the soap is ingrained into the paper. Then you can restore and preserve the cork grip on the rod by first running some water over it, then lightly rubbing the grip with the sandpaper. Rinse it well and let it air dry. Fix small holes in the cork by filling them with a paste made of wood glue and cork filings (use your file and a piece of cork).

Step 6

Store the rod in a hard protective case, out of direct sunlight, and in a dry environment.

Resources

Vintage bamboo fishing rods

Article Written By Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith began writing for Demand Studios in May of 2009 and has since written over 1400 articles for them. He also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter." He attended the University of New Mexico, and has more than 25 years of experience in the business world.

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