cleaning line and rod

[fflutterffly]

Have you heard the urban myth about Armoral? You use it as a line cleaner. Or is it a myth? I've never used it. My choice of line cleaner is Glide by Umpqua or Slick Line by Loon. Both clean and seal cracks; extending the life of the line and your pocket book.

What else is used. How do you wax your or clean your rod and guides?

I run a piece of old nylon stocking through the guides about three times a year just to make sure there are no 'burrs' that can catch the line; cutting or slowing down the cast.

How about you?

[Darthmonkey]

When I was guiding I'd use a microfiber towel on the guides with some simple green. I use SciAngler's line cleaner with a clean sponge and then once more with gun cleaning patches. Has worked very well for me. I'd clean my lines and rods once a month during the season. Now not so much anymore, I struggle to get 30 days a year on the water for trout.

[flyfishergirl]

I have to admit - i am super relaxed on this particular topic. I need to clean my rods more often. I use some sunlight in a bucket, wipe it all dry and then grease the line with a line cleaner (anyone ever tried shine spray...like citre shine for gal's hair...basically liquid silicone?). However - i think the real trick is to buy a new line every couple of years...

Waste of money? I am not so sure.

You get a new line and can cut the old one into tips or trout lines... After trying to 'take care' of my lines for years, i am now on the new line program idea...

Not lazy, just opportunistic.

[greasemonkey]

Ummm, what happens when you never clean your line?

[fflutterffly]

All lines are coated to provide a slick surface which facilitates the line moving through the guides. When this coating wears the line begins to crack. This allows dirt to enter the surface, thus causing the cracks to grow, even to the size one can see them. The dirt also slows the rod down, wears guides quicker and rob you of return on energy stored in the rod to the line. On the extreme side your line can break. In the long run this will cost you a lot more money cuz ya gotto buy new lines! Just clean the dam things while watching T.V. or between tweeking the timing on those engines.