I prefer using a length of black pvc pipe with cap at one end and threaded cap at the other for stowing and transporting my fishing rods. I have several of these tubes with soft lengthwise linings and sponge in the cap ends. These are of a size to accomadate 8'6" two piece rods - 56" tubes.

anyway I've lately acquired a four piece 8'6" fly rod and prefer to keep two pieces permanently attached, thus leaving two halves to fit in the pvc tube - essentially I've turned a four piece rod into a two piece rod.

I wonder if this is a common practice.? could it be detrimental to the rod? I've observed fly fishermen who keep their rods permanently attached - some even using surgical rubber tubing to join the ferrules - thus allowing them to keep the rod stowed 'full length' on the overhead vehicle rack and laid on wall or ceiling pegs at home.

thanks for any feed back.

marc

It won't hurt the rod, but keeping a rod assembled for long periods and various temperature changes can make the ferrules "stick" so you may find that when, or if, you go to take the rod all the way down, you can't get those sections apart. At least not very easily.

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I bought a fiberglass blank several weeks ago that had been left assembled for a very long time. I thought for a while it was going to stay assembled, whether I liked it or not ! I wouldn't leave any blank partially assembled as you describe. At a minimum, I would unseat the sections that will be left together. Your efficiency in setting up the rod is compromised, but you will never have a broken blank. I sympathize though, I get antsy with assembly after the second fitting, making my 6 piece rod pure torture.

Thanks, Tom and Don

it is a hassle but i think unseating all portions when stored unused is probably a good idea.

I noticed when taking my 4 pc 3wt out recently that the blank was cold, dew covered during first light, then later it warmed up. The pieces had tightened up considerably.

I've applied the U-40 ferrule treatment to all my blank ferrules in the hopes that it will keep ferrule fits clean and tight.

marc