I thought I read somewhere that if you apply Windex to your cork rod handle, it will help keep it shiny and new looking. I have read and reread all my STS mags as I was sure it was mentioned in there but I could not find it. Can anybody else verify this?

DaveD

Hey not sure about the Windex. Have found though that if you wash the cork periodically with dishwashing liquid and a green scratchy thing (you know for doing dishes) that the cork looks just like brand new. Takes about 2 minutes.

RM

I HAVE BEEN USING DIAMOND FINISH, WATER BASE, WOOD FINISH MADE BY VARATHANE. IT LOOKS GREAT AND PROTECTS THE CORK FINISH FOR YEARS. DH

Bleche-White ... a tire cleaner is what I ALWAYS use ... great stuff

Another point of view: I've never considered cleaning the cork grips on any of my fishing rods. Nor do I launder my fishing vest, lucky fishing hat, or waders. It's my fishing gear, man. I ain't wearing it to the theater!

Wow! Maybe you want to do this as a stealth trick? Show up with all clean and shiny gear so the grizzled veterans will think you're a cracker and not a serious threat to the fish, so they won't mind sharing the pool with you, right? t.i.c.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Hey guys, after you get done spraying your lure with W-D 40, use it on your cork handles to get it squeeky clean.....You will also be able to cast that rod all the way to the other side of the river(literally)! JUST KIDDING of course (LOL).
Gotta go with what Salmo says too.

I like to leave the factory shrink wrap plastic on the cork. It looks really shiny that way. LOL. By the way, did you happen to check out Larry Csonka on "North to Alaska" a couple of weeks ago? Fighting a salmon on a spinning rod, and holding the rod one handed down next to the butt. A real trick, considering the plastic hadn't been removed from the cork. I thought I had seen it all, but obviously was wrong.

Hey hawk I've been noticing "Zonk" also that was a classic move..how do you do that ...Os

I'm known to some as a clean-freak, but when it comes my rod cork the oily, dark, filth is a badge of honor.To be seen and respected by all who pass my way. My ritual is to bathe the virgin cork in the blood of the 1 st. chrome fish I nail with it.

Maybe in Bob's case, cleaning the handles is a good thing because some of his clients probably want nice, clean rods to use.

In my case, it gives me great pleasure to sport a Loomis with a nasty handle. I even mark the number of fish I've caught on each of my rods with little hashmarks, sort of like Billy the Kid.

Egg milk and other sorts of crap on the cork handle is a sign of a true fisherman. We're not out on the river to find a date and were definitely not out for a fashion show. Until it's molding and smelling like something dead, don't worry about it. You're better off cleaning your reel so it doesn't eat itself for breakfast!

Try using acetone to clean your cork handles. I use to work for G.Loomis and this is what we cleaned the handles with before they left the factory.