Just something I do. May/may not be beneficial to you individually, for a clean start to the 2015 season (if the ice ever leaves!).

First off, I wet sponge with dish detergent and wipe down the entire length of my rods. Then I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the cork section, making sure all the grit and grime is gone and the cork is looking show-room new (takes only seconds). I double rinse the entire rod in the shower stall to make sure all traces of detergent and eraser has vanished. Then I let it dry - a good 3 - 4 hours.

Next step is to roll a piece of paper towel into a paint brush and use this to spread a light coating of U-40 Cork Sealant (Netcraft) evenly over the entire handle section. Now, if you've previously applied a coating when the cork was new (as I always do), or in a prior season, then this coat has to be VERY light (or it will run and create hard drips). Barely wet the cork, as the initial application is about all that's needed to fully penetrate and toughen the cork. I rotate the handle while doing this and dab any areas that dry especially fast, as these may have not absorbed sufficient U-40 on the initial coating. I keep rotating the handle until I'm convinced that it's dry (just a few minutes). At the same time, watch for any accumulation of drops that may start to harden - easily removed with a clean paper towel. Then I let the rod dry again, for several hours to as much as a day. The handle is now fully prepped for the season ahead.

Finally I coat the rod blank section with ArmorAll. Wipe excess off with a clean cloth and you're good to go. I may re-coat the ArmorAll a time or two throughout the season, as use dictates. This product goes a long way in preventing scratches and keeping off the grit which is common place with fishing. The slick coating may even promote longer casts.

There ya have it Folks. All my rods have been exposed to this treatment and are ready to get wet! Now I've got to tackle my tackle bags! Hope you all have a great season this year and please pray for ice out!

This made me smile & is a rather timely post.

 

With a another heavy snow dumping in progress here today, I am current utilizing the opportunity to participate in the annual pre-Season Rod Preparation as well.

 

Mine is similar but I use warm water and Klasse All-In-One Polish. (not on the handles of course.)

Have used it for years on my vehicles and have always been very pleased. 

Started using it on my rods a while ago and have never looked back.

 

Thanks for the Well Wishes & Same to you.

 

A-Jay

 

 

More importantly, run a Q-tip around each guide ring feeling for catches or burrs that may damage line. Check your reel seat nut / hood too.