This question is from Volume 6, Issue #5 of RodMaker
Magazine:
Q.
I read an article in a Fly fishing magazine in
which the author suggested that there is a significant
difference between freshwater and saltwater fly
rods. His exact words were that "freshwater rods
break." Help me get past this. Are there really
rods that are designed from the ground up to be
one or the other? Is there a difference in the
construction of the blank? Scott via email.
A.
By and large, the only difference between rods
used specifically in saltwater rather than fresh,
is the choice of components. Because of the harsher
environment, saltwater rods are usually outfitted
with more corrosion resistant hardware.
As far as saying "freshwater rods break," that
statement is completely without merit. Any rod will
break if you exceed the dead lifting capability that
was designed into it, or abuse it, or whack it on
something. Overstressing of tip sections and impact
abuse and far and away the most common causes of
rod failure.
Some manufacturers do realize the extra stress and
strain that many saltwater anglers put on their rods
in certain situations and may design the rods to be a
bit beefier in the butt area, or may sacrifice some
measure of performance in favor of a design that
while heavier, gives you a little more room for
angler error. So, it is fair to say that most
12-weight fly rods are capable of withstanding greater
load and a few more knocks and bangs than most 4-weight
rods are. But I don't think it's fair to say that
"freshwater rods break" as a matter of record. Most
rods don't break, unless the angler uses them
improperly or hits them on something. I would hope
that most anglers would never subject their 4-weight
fly rods to the same kind of loads tha they might
subject their 12-weight fly rods to. ~ TK
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
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