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Your bamboo fly rod should last many life times, making it a wonderful family heirloom to be treasured. Some simple preventative care should ensure your rods legacy.

1. Ferrules are lapped to a tight proper fit. The male ferrule should seat completely into the female. The shoulder of the male should be next to the opening of the female. Ferrule assembly and separation should take "some effort." When assembling your rod, hold your hands near each ferrule, line up guides, and firmly push straight together. Never twist. To unassemble, hold hands further apart and pull straight. Your rod should come apart with a crisp snap or pop. Small patches of rubber can help grip your rod. This can be especially helpful should the ferrules "grow a bit tighter" during long days fishing.

2. Do clean your ferrules. Regularly check the female for dirt or debris. Wipe the ferrules clean with a cotton swab or patch with some rubbing alcohol. Take care not to get any on your rod as it may affect the finish on it. Don't use any oils or grease as they will attract dirt.

3 Do not intentionally pursue fish too large for your rod. Rotate the bend in your rod while playing larger trout. Never point the butt of the rod towards the fish and take care while netting to not pull the net in so it adds pressure to the rod. If sets occur in your rod, gentle pressure in the opposite direction held for a couple moments should set it straight again.

4 Do not leave your rod in a hot car all day. If you do need to store it, store it in a rod tube, in the trunk away from direct sunlight if possible.

5. Dry off your rod prior to storing.

Soon these practices will be second nature and part of the ritual of fishing bamboo.