Cork falling off rod handles ??

Post by **T Smith** » March 7th, 2006, 4:20 pm

I noticed yesterday while getting blown around by the wind, that the cork handles on some of my rods are flaking or falling off. They are not the most expensive rods ever but are mid range quantum and berkley's. The only time they get wet really is when I rinse them off after a trip. Occasionaly I'll pick one up with a little fish slime still on my hands but other than that they don't get abused or anything. Anybody else have this experience or know why or what I can do? I've heard of some sort of cork sealer before, maybe that would protect them.

Post by **mjsigns** » March 7th, 2006, 5:38 pm

Wrap the handle with some of that grip tape for tennis rackets. That will keep the cork in place.

Post by **Chalk** » March 7th, 2006, 5:47 pm

I have seen them come apart from impact, getting knocked around, etc....you need to use them more...

Try some oil and if it still falls apart Basspro sells rod wraps

Post by **wevans** » March 7th, 2006, 7:18 pm

Mine has broken "Berkly Lightning Rod" about 1 inch from the top

I just live with it

course it may be the tens of thousand cast it's been through

Post by **RodBow** » March 7th, 2006, 7:33 pm

I looked out in the back yard the other day and my 8 mo old Shepherd was proudly prancing around with a Bill Dance rod

Needless to say the cork is a little chunked up now but at least he knew where to hold it!

Post by **T Smith** » March 8th, 2006, 11:45 am

Thanks guys,

I just didn't know if it was common for cork to start deteriorating without,

(wevans) excessive use

,

(chalks) abuse and banging around

and

(rodbows) hungry dog

It's hard to find casting rods without cork handles , I like the neoprene or whatever it is but they don't seem to be as common. The cork looks better but I don't find it as comfortable as the other stuff.
Oh Well, I'll keep my eye out for some wrap.