Gloss vs. Matte finish on rods.

[Jearley]

I know this has come up in conversation on the board before but is there any downsides to a matte finish on rods? I’ve seen times before where the “flash” of a glossed rod would spook fish. I’ve read where they’ve used sandpaper to take the shine off the rod but does this effect casting much? I’ve improved my casting by lubing the blank before, but would sanding the blank cause excessive friction? Matte varnish any better? It’s something I’ve pondered recently.

[piffilus]

I actually saw a matte 10' 4 weight Guideline rod. I believe it was aimed at chzech nymphing but I may be wrong. Interesting to see since I have only heard of HT rods having matte finish. But I don't know a lot of rods though.

[steelehead]

I guess it depends on the waters you fish and the spookiness of the fish - or the fishing pressure they might associate with shiny sticks.
Peter Hayes recommends removable matte varnish in his IMHO great book "fly fishing outside the box", but I guess it might arouse the same never-ending discussion about fly line color and its effect on fish spooking...

Cheers, Christian

[Jearley]

Ah yes, fly line color! I don’t what to think about that argument. I’ll have to look for Mr. Hayes book too. Sounds like a good read.

Also, I didn’t know that the Hot Torpedo rods can come in the matte option. Pretty cool.

[piffilus]

Also, I didn’t know that the Hot Torpedo rods can come in the matte option. Pretty cool.

The Hot Torpedoes are made matte only.

[Jearley]

Interesting. I’d love to hear Paul’s take on the pros and cons of both.

[Paul Arden]

I think it’s nuts to have shiny rods! I’d post more but my internet is cutting out. I’ll write a FP on it next week

[Jearley]

Sweet. I’m looking forward to it.

[steelehead]

Any suggestions on making your rod less shiny with minimal effort or without losing the manufacturers warranty?
Paul mentioned matte varnish or a metal brush - but maybe there are other ways to achieve the same effect.
And of course how to revert this in case of resale or rod repairs.

Cheers,
Christian

[Paul Arden]

Mud maybe. But it washes off. It’s a difficult one really. I think the Brillo pad is the best option. There must be some sort of matte spray that you can clean off if you have to send it back.

It’s a crazy situation. I’ve never understood it.

Cheers, Paul