Do Old Rods Work Better?

Some avid anglers may be more inclined to be obsessed with collecting fishing rods, whether it’s because they need multiple varieties or because they like having an interesting assortment. If you're one of the latter, you've probably seen some antique fishing rods for sale, either in-store or online. Then you may have also discovered that they can cost thousands of dollars. So what makes antique fishing rods unique? Is it worth buying them? Do old rods work better?

Anglers have many reasons to like getting and using antique, vintage, or old rods. It may be because of how they look, of how it has unique features and accessories, because of the sentimental value, or even because they want to have something that’s one of a kind. An old rod is a good rod if it is deemed valuable. We’ll discuss what we need to consider to determine whether that old rod you are eyeing is worth buying.

But what if you have an old rod and want to make the most of it? We’ll also discuss how to get used to your old fishing rod.

The Difference Between Old and New Rods

The main difference between old and new rods is their shape. Fishing rods are made of various materials, contributing to how an angler will use them and how much they cost.

In earlier times, longer rods were made using Arundo Donax or Spanish cane (a native plant found in the Mediterranean Sea.) On the other hand, short fishing rods were mostly made using the Ferula plant. You can also find old rods crafted from hardwood, juniper, and cornel wood. In the 17th and 18th centuries, fishing rods were mainly made from bamboo and heavy European woods (lancewood and greenheart) because they were rigid yet elastic.

The primary materials in the 20th century and modern fishing rods are bamboos, graphite, fiberglass, and composite materials. 

The Aging of a Fishing Rod

If you have an old rod that’s still working fine, there’s no need to get rid of it. In general, fishing rods don’t go wrong with age. A rod can only break down through heavy use (especially if it’s made of fiberglass.) If you keep them in good condition and do maintenance once in a while, a rod you’ve had for years can outlive you.

There’s no correct answer to the question if old rods work better. Because, like most things, it depends. It depends on how you use it and what you want to use it for. If you have an old rod that you think has ‘gone bad,’ that might not be the case. Simply put, it hasn't gone bad, but it may have changed its rod action. Therefore, you have to adjust how you use it. You might need to start using different techniques, casting methods, fishing tackle, and lures with that rod.

Many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for your fishing gear to further prove that you won’t need to throw away your old rod. This means that the life expectancy of a fishing rod lasts a literal lifetime. This wouldn’t be the case if they didn’t expect rods to stand the test of time. 

Other Things to Do with Old or Broken Rods

1. Check the Warranty

Before you do anything else with a broken fishing rod, check if it’s under warranty. You’d be delighted to know that many companies even have warranties for second owners. So it’s worth enquiring about first. 

2. Try to Repair

If you’re a handy angler, try to see what you can do to improve your old rod into a super rod. You can find tons of online tutorials that can help you.

3. Hang Onto the Spare Parts

If you deem your rod is beyond repair, you can hang onto it if you need spare parts for your working fishing rods. This is a very economical and sustainable way to use your old rod.

4. Display It

If you want to leave your old rod as is, but you’re not going to use it, use it as decor. You can mount it as you would swords or use the fishing line as a baby mobile. There are many creative ways to decorate your space using a fishing rod.

Buying Antique or Vintage Rods

If you’re interested in procuring antique or vintage fishing rods, there are a couple of things you need to consider so you would know if you’re getting your money’s worth.

An old fishing rod should have a good reputation for it to be considered valuable. This means you have to look at who made it. If you’re wondering why an old fishing rod is too expensive, check out who made it. Branding does matter in this case.

Another thing to consider is the material used to make it. Most materials used to make rods can all give it the potential to be collectibles. But, this is rare for fiberglass and graphite rods. However, it is possible to find some that can be on the same level, depending on the maker. The same can be also said for the composition. Remember that the inside also matters. This is why bamboo rods are worth more. The raw material used is minimal, it has good performance capabilities, and the production requires more labor.

Now that you know more about old rods don't think about whether they’re better than new ones. They’re just different.