I am just now wanting to give fly fishing a serious try. I have 3 rods already. Two are 10 years old but have hardly been in use. One is much older but appears to be in good condition. I was wondering if I will be able to use them without trouble to get me started. Thanks

MikeyS -

A 10 year old fly rod, in good condition, should perform like a new one. I assume that these two are graphite. Graphite rods began appearing in the mid 1970s, and became the predominate material (over fiberglass and bamboo) by the mid 80s. Unless they have been stored out in the weather, they should be fine.

If they are fiberglass, check for signs of the finish peeling, but they should be fine also. I have a 48 year old fiberglass rod that casts as good as the day I bought it.

If the older one is bamboo, check the blank for evidence of the varnish cracking or peeling, and for splits in the bamboo joints. If you find these, you might want to refinish it, or have it refinished.

Good Luck!!

Just make sure to give any wet cork rodgrip some open airflow to allow the cork to dry out normally before zipping it up inside anykind of case. I once put a rod with still-moist handle into case...didn't open it up until the next season or two...mold had settled into the cork in places.
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