Follow these few, simple guidelines to ensure that your Nitro Rod handles years of extreme action.

Graphite Rod Care:

Graphite is the ultimate material for making light, fast and responsive fishing rods and care should be taken to protect your investment against damage. Always protect your rod from knocks and scratches as these may bruise the structure of the graphite and lead to premature breakage.

General Care:

- Always ensure that your rod is wiped down with freshwater after exposure to saltwater environments.

- Ensure that cork grips and bindings are dry before placing your rod in the bag provided.

- Avoid the “high-stick.” This refers to over-flexing the rod and creating excess pressure on the tip.

- When reeling in a big one try not to lift the rod past 90 degrees.

- Avoid letting your lures bang the tip or the rod by reeling them in all the way.

- Avoid striking the rod against hard surfaces.

- Always store your rod in a cool, dry place when possible.

Transport:

- Place your rod in your car or truck so that the rod is not banging against another rod or hard surface, and so nothing heavy will fall on it, smash it or otherwise damage it.

- If you have more than one rod, consider using a rod transport system, there are many ingenious designs to meet your particular needs.

On the Water:

- When there is sufficient space, carry the rod horizontally with the tip pointing behind you. This will keep you from digging the tip into the ground and breaking it off.

- Never lay your rod flat on the ground; that’s like asking for it to be stepped on. Use a bank rod holder instead!

- If you have to lean the rod on your car, make sure you do it away from any open car doors. Car doors and fishing rods don’t play well together and the car door always wins. Try leaning the rod in the recess between the side view mirror and the car body or use a magnetic rod holder.

Cleaning:

- Wash the entire rod with soap and fresh water. Rinse hot and let it dry thoroughly. Taking a shower with the rod after a good fishing day is an easy way to get this done.

- Ensure that the ferrules are clean. Wipe down the male ferrules and apply a little grease or candle wax. Use a Q-tip to make sure the female ferrules are free of dirt and grit.

- Examine the guides for scratches. You can run a cotton ball or ladies nylon hose through the guides to see if it snags. If the guides are damaged replace them promptly.

Storage:

- Do not store your rod by leaning it on a wall or corner of a room. This will cause it to “set” (unwanted bend) over time.

- Use a good rack system to keep your rod off the floor and out of harm’s way.