Just thought this is a fun random topic. When you buy a new rod do you take the plastic off right away or do you fish it for awhile until the plastic breaks off?

I fish it once to be sure that I want it.  Then I take it off and put shrink tubing on.

Since I purchase my rods specifically based on lure/line ratings, power and action - I take the plastic off soon as it arrives and U-40 the cork ASAP.

As soon as it gets to my boat... my wife has a sharp eye and would know immediately I bought another rod if she spotted one with the plastic still on!

14 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Since I purchase my rods specifically based on lure/line ratings, power and action - I take the plastic off soon as it arrives and U-40 the cork ASAP.

Ditto

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Immediately upon arrival.

I usually take it off and give a coat of U40.

As soon as I get home. 

Who still supplies rods with plastic covered cork handles?

Tom

 

It comes off when I get the rod home.

Lucky if it makes it to the truck!

3 hours ago, WRB said:

Who still supplies rods with plastic covered cork handles?

Tom

 

All my St Croix's have come with 'shrink wrap' over the cork.

I take mine off right away. Before my first trip with the rod.

 

I feel like the plastic would get slippery if it got wet.

15 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

All my St Croix's have come with 'shrink wrap' over the cork.

SC Victory didn’t!

Tom

3 hours ago, WRB said:

Who still supplies rods with plastic covered cork handles?

Tom

 

My last TFO & ALX rods both had it. 

18 hours ago, WRB said:

Who still supplies rods with plastic covered cork handles?

Tom

 

Every Dobyns I buy has it. Recently purchased Shimano Expride had it.

Greetings and Happy Friday All,

 

Interesting I never really put that much thought to it before. I realized that I did remove the plastic / shrink wrap after I got the fishing rod home and tested it out a bit to confirm I'm keeping it. Recently I had purchased several of the Walmart OTX split handled spinning rods. I only removed the plastic shrink wrap from the portion I have direct contact with. The small cork fore-end and butt end segment are still shrink wrapped. I'm not really concerned or motivated to act on it. Although I may eventually remove them too.

 

I have only just recently added a few split handled rods to my collection so it is a 'new' thing to me. I understand the intent is to lower the over weight. So far they are comfortable to use.

 

So there you have another view point on the matter. Be well, Cheers!

I haven't purchased a rod in over ten years that had plastic on the handle. 

On 6/1/2023 at 5:12 PM, Dumbbassanglr said:

Just thought this is a fun random topic. When you buy a new rod do you take the plastic off right away or do you fish it for awhile until the plastic breaks off?

I seal both ends of the wrap with painter's tape so no water can get under it and cause a stain on the handle, then take it down to the lake and sling some weight nice and hard at the rod's stated limit. If it gets past this infant mortality test, the shrink wrap comes off.

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I haven't purchased a rod in over ten years that had plastic on the handle. 

My ALX Deputy that came in today had plastic on the handle. My Phenix Feather didn’t. But it isn’t cork.

I leave until it starts to fall off, I’m getting ready to shrink my rods that have cork.

We are not talking about a poly sleeve that slips on and easily slides off the rod. shrink sleeve must be cut off.

Tom

The first thing I do is removing that plastic and apply u-40 and let it stay for 24hours before I pair with reel and start fishing with it.

My Tatula rods came with plastic over the cork. And no I've never fished with it still on.