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Dec 18 2020

Guide Tip: Don’t Be A Watcher

Today’s post comes from our Head Guide at Rapids Camp Lodge Chad Bryson. Thank you for your contribution Chad!

Fishing Not Catching -Photo: Dave Karzcynski

Countless times during my career I have witnessed fly rods break. Occasionally, it is due truly to a manufacturing defect. Occasionally. Most of the time it is complete operator error in some capacity. No matter if it is a high stick trout hook set on a tarpon or an errant rod tip jammed into a ceiling fan. It happens, rods break; much to the chagrin of the person holding the rod when it does explode. Nobody likes it or wants it to happen. Especially while you are on the trip of a lifetime.

Rods -Photo: Dave Karzcynski


One simple thing I do during the source of my workday is checking ferrules on the rods being used. A loose ferrule will not only cast poorly, but it will also cause an unnecessary rod breakage leaving the rod bearer high and dry for an indeterminable amount of time. Straightening a rod ferrule takes seconds and will save you hundreds of dollars in rod repairs as well as the heartbreak of losing your favorite stick on a trip. Spey rod ferrules have a tendency to work themselves loose easier than single hand rods only because of the extra torque that a Spey rod blank ensues during the cast. I check my ferrules while Spey casting about once an hour or every time switch spots, whichever comes first. While single hand rods don’t generate as much torque on the blank, they are subject to boat rides and casting indicator rigs that will work them loose. I check these ferrules every I time re-tie or make any adjustments.

In the Swing -Photo Dave Karcynski

Take the time, check your ferrules during your fishing day. It could be a simple difference between fishing and watching. You don’t want to be sitting on the bank watching due to a broken rod. Don’t be a watcher. Be an angler. Thanks for reading.

Chad Bryson
Head Guide Rapids Camp Lodge

Other Fishing Posts about Rapids Camp Lodge:

  • Fly Fishing with Rapids Camp Lodge
  • How to Pack and Plan for your Rapids Camp Lodge Vacation
  • Rapids Camp Lodge Fishing Photos

Filed Under: Alaska West, General, Guest Posts, Rapids Camp, Tips Tagged With: fly fishing, fly fishing habits, fly rods

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