So I noticed that all the guides, and especially the first 3-5 at the tip of the rod are dirty from all the crap line picks up from water. though where the line touches it's clean, but around the edges it's a mess. do you guys clean your rod guides often if at all? should I?

So I noticed that all the guides, and especially the first 3-5 at the tip of the rod are dirty from all the crap line picks up from water. though where the line touches it's clean, but around the edges it's a mess. do you guys clean your rod guides often if at all? should I?

It depends, if it was really bad and collected a lot of crap from the trip then yeah.  Normally I clean them if I'm not going to use them on my next trip though or any extended length of time...by removing the reel and wiping the reel and rod down. 

Take a toothbrush and some spray detergent like 409 or something similar, and clean them.

a Q-tip works great... if really dirty add some warm soapy water.

The Tidal Potomac can get pretty grungy, so I clean my rod guides after every trip with a Q Tip and Reel Magic.  I do the same with the pawls on my reels.  Some of that stuff is like concrete when it dries.  There is a new Q Tip with a pointed end, which works great.

Keeping equipment clean is one of the best and easiest maintenance steps you can take. Soft brush/cloth and mild detergent. Air dry thoroughly prior to storage.