Q
Last year I bought my first two-handed fly rod for fishing in the surf. I have two problems. First, my ferrules keep coming loose. Second, my rod arm really gets tired. Am I doing something wrong?
– Paul Wisner
Boston, Massachusetts
A
There is tremendous strain on the ferrules of two-handed rods. The ferrules need to be lubricated frequently; I suggest using candle wax. They will still work if they’re loose, though. Before each casting session, it’s a good idea to tape the ferrules – something European spey casters have been doing for generations.
Your arm is probably tiring because you are trying to cast as you would with a one-handed rod. The hand on the butt of the rod should do most of the work. Use it to build speed the way you use a double haul with a one-handed rod.
-Lefty
