[Kristopher]

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep your rod handles clean and in good condition?
Sometimes my hands are dirty when I'm fishing and I will often head out right after work with grease and all kinds of crap on my hands so my handles are starting to look pretty haggard.
Are there any good ways to clean cork once it's become quite dirty/discoloured?
Thanks. eace:

 

[professori]

Mild solution of dish detergent to wash it. There is a cork conditioner you can get at many tackle shops to help repel dirt.

 

[STLHDR]

Mild solution of dish detergent to wash it. There is a cork conditioner you can get at many tackle shops to help repel dirt.

I've heard of waxing the cork, but havent tried it. Seen a handle that was waxed and looked like new still, which would also repel water and keep the handle dry.

 

[Kristopher]

Thanks for the replies fellas. It's almost embarrassing how bad I've let a couple of them get. :-[

 

[stsfisher]

soap and water, bought a couple of rods in terrible "roe" shape.took some time to scrub but came out good as new.

 

[scruffy]

i use dishwashing soap and warm water with a scrub brush and the cork comes out like new :thumbup:


scruffy

 

[Kristopher]

Gunna go do it right now.
I definitely have my work cut out for me though. I swear this is the filthiest cork you'll ever see in your life. ;D

Thanks again for the replies. :beerchug: eace:

 

[HOOK]

why not just leave it it adds character to it. much like the huge scratch on my center pin reel :wallbash:

 

[STLHDR]

why not just leave it it adds character to it. much like the huge scratch on my center pin reel :wallbash:

Someone once told me its not character, it's attitude! I scratched my pin too :'(

 

[mrmugs]

Maybe I'm not fishing enough. I don't seem to have this problem, that or I just wash my hands...
I think it's the lack of fishing
Fish can "smell" the grease or whatever is on your hands and that can kill your chances for a bite so cleeeeen em.

 

[STLHDR]

Maybe I'm not fishing enough. I don't seem to have this problem, that or I just wash my hands...
I think it's the lack of fishing
Fish can "smell" the grease or whatever is on your hands and that can kill your chances for a bite so cleeeeen em.

Ahhhhhh but they'll smell the soap too. Hmmmm what to do?

 

[Britguy]

Use "Vancouver Only" scent free dish soap :thumbup:

 

[Sean_Salmon]

it maybe scent free to me and you, but fish smell in parts per billion so they'll probably still smell it.

 

[Britguy]

Yeh but its also Phosphate free
Good for the enviroment

 

[Rick Baerg]

The best way to clean dirty cork is with a rag and some acetone, looks like brand new when done!!

 

[Kristopher]

Fish can "smell" the grease or whatever is on your hands and that can kill your chances for a bite

You are absolutely right. It's something I often think about out on the water but I smoke like a damn chimney anyway so I'm sure the horrible smell of that gets on my flies when I handle them. Plus no water or cleaning products at work. :-\

 

[mrmugs]

I wash my hands w/ soap(whatever soap is around) and rinse well, then I rinse my hands well in the lake and then wash them with sand (without soap of course ), whether this works or not I don't know but is better than nothing!! :beerchug:

 

[scuro]

I do a good job of busting up my rods...sometimes the fish do it too. ;D I buy good rods from a fine fishing store. They never ask questions, they simply charge shipping and I have a new rod...cork be damned! :cheers:

 

[Britguy]

The best way to clean dirty cork is with a rag and some acetone

dont be breathing that stuff in Rick :-\ nasty nasty

Quote from: mrmugs on June 02, 2008, 08:45:42 PM
Fish can "smell" the grease or whatever is on your hands and that can kill your chances for a bite
You are absolutely right. It's something I often think about out on the water but I smoke like a damn chimney anyway so I'm sure the horrible smell of that gets on my flies when I handle them. Plus no water or cleaning products at work.

Just use a drop of garlic juice it will mask any smell and the fish like it too :happy: :happy: :happy:

As for cleaning the cork no idea
i like mine to look used