Overcoming Rain

When the rod is wet, a very long leader tends to adhere to the rod, and this creates a challenge for the cast. The solution is ribbing the rod with 1X (0.26 millimeter) or 2X (0.23 millimeter) nylon tippet. This ribbing can be done very quickly in the river or can be done beforehand when a rainy day is expected. When doing it in the river, the easiest way is to make the ribbing extend from the point guide to the hook keeper. If you are making the ribbing beforehand, it is better to do it separately with each piece. To fix the nylon end to the point of the rod, just tie a simple knot to the last guide

Ribbing attachment to the point

Ribbing attachment to the cork section

To fix the ribbing to the rod pieces, the best option is to use a small band of common, self-fusing rubber tape. This tape is water resistant and will adhere to the rod even when it’s wet. Just simply tie a bulky knot to the nylon end to prevent the nylon from sliding off the self-fusing rubber band.