Fishing Rods

Some people I know are always breaking rods. I rarely break one. I've broken maybe 3 in more than 20 years of fishing. One was definitely my fault, trying to free a snag the wrong way. But I take care of my rods. I see people with all their rods just piled in the corner of their boat, hanging out the side. I see people with rods piled on their deck banging into each other. My rods don't touch each other. If I have to set it down to re-tie or deal with a fish, it goes in a rod holder. I think over time, lots of banging into other stuff can weaken a blank. Also, I wonder if some people get way to aggressive on the hook set. Just think how easy a sharp hook goes into your finger. I don't think a He-Man hook set is always necessary. I wonder too, if some people don't know what a drag is for... or fish braided line rated too heavy for the rod.

I think you are right on the money with that post. I am one of the most meticulous people when it comes to taking care of my gear. I use Stick Jackets on my rods, reel covers on my reels, and even use lure covers on some of my lures. I also see people all the time piling rods on top of other rods on the deck, strapping them down, and running through 3-4 foot waves on Sam Rayburn. That constant beating on top of each other causes the blank getting small nicks, or fractures that lead to rod failure. another thing I commonly see is after fishing at night at the motels when people get their rods out of the boat they just grab about 7-8 in each hand, and I am sure that is not good for the integrity of the rod either. especially when they try to go into the room and hit the tips on the top of the door jam.

Always use a rod sock, have yet to break a rod.

I have broke the tip of one rod in my life, it was not a Kistler. If I was to get a brand new rod used it and in the first hour it broke then yes it had to be somethign with the rod, but if after 3 years the rod breaks then well I cant ( - - blocked - - ) anyone but myself for usig it to much doing something I love. Ive bent the guides of one of my Kistlers, straightened it out and never had aproblem since. And by the way any company that sends Christmas cards out to its customers, that right there is another reason why I couldnt bring myself to even touch another comapnies rod. Could Kistler be the reason I will be moving 10 and a half hours south of Chicago?? might be to pursue fishing and enjoy my life with Kistler Rods.