How long do you guys usually wait after your last coat of finish to use the rod?

I go at least 3 days,epoxy finish some times will be a little soft and susceptable to scuffs and dents if you go from the dryer to the water.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I've only built a few but wait until my fingernail will not mark the coating left in the pan, plus 2 days.

It depends somewhat on the type of finish used, but giving it 3 days is a darned good idea. I've done it in less, been really careful, and not had problems, though.

Putter
Williston, ND

Depends on if it's a rod for me, or for someone else. For someone else's rod, I wait a week before I even give it to the person, just to make sure that everything has fully cured.

If it's a rod for me, I'll sometimes fish it the next day. But then again, I'm not so worried about whether or not the finish is easily scuffed, etc.

With LS Supreme High Build I give it at least 2 days, 3 is even better. With Flex Coat and warm temperatures, I have taken them out in 24 hours but I don't recommend it. Too easy to bruise or indent the finish and then it's permanent.