"riverman" wrote in message
...

SNIP
All that being said, however, just what IS the effect of using a fly rod
in
freezing temps? Many of us have fished open water when the air temps were
below freezing and the guides froze over....does it damage the finish or
anything?
--rm


It depends on the finish. Varnish will contract and crack at very low
temperatures. Sudden, ( especially massive) temperature changes are of
course far worse.

Graphite ( carbon fibre) itself is not usually severely affected by
climactic extremes of temperature, but the resin bonding is. I have seen a
few carbon fibre rods shatter. Loading them ( in any way at all), at very
low temperatures is best avoided. Very high temperatures, ( open on a car
seat in the sun for instance), may also affect the resin bonding. ( it
softens!).

One must remember that such rods are composites, and not all the components
are as "inert" as carbon fibre.

Lastly, extremes of cold can contract metal rings etc to the point where
they will break a composite tube.

All these are unlikely of course, as not many people are likely to be
fishing at 40° of frost! Although these rods are often used in freezing
temperatures, it is most unlikely that they will be used at more than 10 to
15 ° below freezing.

TL
MC