First things first. Why on earth would you want to clean that honestly earned patina from your sacred fishing rods?

My rods don't have egg crud on them, but the cork grips are soiled with the grime of years of serious fishing. I wouldn't think of ever cleaning them. I never wash my fishing vests, either. Or my lucky fishing hat. It just wouldn't be right. I will, on occasion, clean some mud off my waders, but I draw the line at that.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.