Anyone with any experience fishing high modulus rods in sub-freezing temps tell me if the "brittleness" of the higher modulus graphite comes into play? I guess what I'm asking is do you think the blank becomes MORE brittle in really cold temps? Trying to get a build together for someone who fishes swift water on the Maumee River close to Lake Erie starting in February.

High modulus graphite isn't "brittle."

Keep in mind these materials on used on aircraft flown at altitudes where the temperature is a heck of a lot colder than anything you're going to experience, even in Lake Erie winters.

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Excellent point, Tom. Sometimes it just takes someone to put things into perspective. Thank you.

I fish several high modulus rods here in costal BC. Most of the winter fishing is at or slightly above freezing and I have had no issues with my 13ft+ spey rods.

Anglers who fish running water in sub-freezing temperatures commonly dip their rod tip into the water to remove ice buildup in the tip-top. It is faintly possible water could seep inside the tip of the rod blank, freeze, expand, and weaken or break the blank.

Thanks Mr Hart for your reply. That helps, I'm sure that is somewhat comparable to the temps he fishes in.

Under the conditions mentioned any graphite rod would break from freezing, would have to be between the tip top/guide foot and blank, otherwise you'd have to fill the entire blank with water.

Under the conditions mentioned any graphite rod would break from freezing, would have to be between the tip top/guide foot and blank, otherwise you'd have to fill the entire blank with water.

Spencer: I was thinking more along the lines of capillarity, like when some liquid remains in the barrel of even an upright straw.

In theory, as it expanded, it would move down into the area that offers the least resistance - the remainder of the rod blank which offers plenty of room for it.

Not saying it couldn't happen, but it's not extremely likely.

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