Q1 - Is it true that Fenwick introduced the first graphite fishing rod?
A1 - Yes! Back in 1973 Fenwick stunned the fishing industry with the introduction of a rod series named HMG, which featured a select group of fly rods and bass rods made of a remarkable lightweight material called graphite. Today, Fenwick's legendary HMG rod series is as popular as ever and includes a wide variety of actions. Be sure to check out this legendary HMG series in this Web site.
Q2 - It seems that every time I read about fishing rods, I run into terms like "Modulus," "IM6," "IM7." What do they mean?
A2 - Great question! All of these terms are used to describe characteristics of the material used to build a fishing rod blank.
Modulus is a mathematical value used to describe the degree of stiffness of a material by measuring its deflection under load. Materials that deliver a higher numeric rating feature a greater level of stiffness.
IM6, IM7 and the rest of the terms you usually read about are simply labels used to identify different types of material such as a particular type of graphite. The important thing to keep in mind is this: building a premium rod requires far more than utilizing a high-tech material. It requires a thorough understanding of how to blend a type of material with a construction method that delivers premium performance of a given fishing technique. Often certain rod brands advertise fancy material names, but this is of no benefit to the fisherman if the rod is built with antiquated methods and features only a piece of the so-called "space-age" material under the reel seat, where it will deliver no benefit. No other rod maker can match Fenwick for its years of legendary rod crafting success, a heritage built through superior performance, not hype. Bottom line--you don't need a scientific dictionary to select the rod that is best for you. A premium rod usually stands out. You can feel the difference in your hand, the better balance and the sweet feel of an action that is just what you have been looking for. Try a Fenwick and you will understand.
Q3 - What is the difference between a rod's power and action rating?
A3 - POWER is a term used to rate a rod's overall stiffness while the action remains constant. A "heavier" power rod will begin to load or flex at the same point as a "lighter" power rod. A heavier power rod will display greater stiffness and thus bend less. ACTION identifies where a rod begins to load or bend given the same amount of pull. "Fast" action rods mainly bend only in the tip section while the remainder of the rod remains stiff. As a rod action becomes slower, the rod will display a bend in more of the rod blank for the same amount of pull pressure. Rod action ratings commonly used include Extra Fast, Fast, Moderate, Slow.
Q4 - Once in a while, the tip of my rod becomes loose, or won't come off. Why?
A4 - Each section of a Fenwick multiple-piece rod is hand-fit to the joining section. The proper way to join sections of a performance rod is to apply a thin layer of paraffin wax to the male section before connection. This wax acts as a lubricant allowing the sections to firmly join together, and also makes it easy to take the pieces apart. Proper maintenance should include checking the ferrule joint before each outing.
BIT OF TRIVIA - Fenwick actually invented the modern method of joining multiple-piece rods called the Feralite ferrule system. Before this breakthrough, multiple-piece rods were connected with aluminum ferrules which were difficult to use and really limited performance.
Q5 - The other day I went fishing and my rod broke during the cast. I didn't think I did anything to the rod, but when I took the rod back to my dealer, he told me that it looked like it broke from impact damage. I know that I did not hit anything with my rod that day. What should I do?
A5 - Actually, your dealer may actually be right! Here is what often happens. When a rod is damaged by impact, it shatters on the inside like a window does when it is hit with a BB. With this type of damage, the rod is still in one piece and the damage is only noticeable to the trained eye. The rod will not break until the rod is compressed on the side of the blank where it was damaged. Often this can be after you have actually fished with the rod and even caught fish! But once the rod is angled just right for the compression side of the bend to cross over the ding, it can snap immediately just like a straw folds when bent.
Q6 - Does Fenwick still offer a lifetime warranty for fishing rods?
A6 - YES! Fenwick's premium rod series feature our exclusive Lifetime Partnership Guarantee. This premium program includes our Lifetime Limited Warranty, Lifetime Replacement Service and our commitment to exceptional service. Rods included in Fenwick's Lifetime Partnership Guarantee Program are: Cofi57, World Class, Golden Wing, HCG Hardcore, HMG, and SeaHawk series rods. All other current Fenwick rod brands are covered by Fenwick's five year limited warranty and also feature our Lifetime Accident Replacement Service. For additional information, please contact Fenwick at 1-800-642-7637, ext 235.
Q7 - I heard Fenwick offers a service called the Lifetime Accident Replacement Service for fishing rods. What is it all about?
A7 - This service is our way of helping our dedicated anglers through a tough time. No one is ever more disappointed than you after you close your door on your Triggerstik, or find out that your dog has just chewed up the cork handle of your favorite three-weight fly rod. As your fishing partner, Fenwick is there to help! With proof of original purchase, Fenwick will replace your rod at 55% discount from Fenwick's most current suggested retail price plus shipping and handling. For additional information, please contact Fenwick at 1-800-642-7637 ext 235.
Q8 - I recently broke the tip section of my fishing rod just below the tip top by stepping on it in my boat. This rod means a lot to me because it was given to me by my dad. Can you put a new tip on this rod for me? I will be willing to pay a fee for this service.
A8 - At Fenwick, we do not offer a service to repair damaged fishing rods. We prefer to offer our Accident Replacement Service (see Q7) so that you can return to the water promptly with a rod that is structurally sound. If you prefer to fix your existing rod, please realize that there still may be damage within the blank that could lead to additional breakage and one more bad experience. Most all tackle shops offer a service to replace the tip top on fishing rods. If the rod break is close to the tip, they can size and replace the tip top for a nominal fee.
Q9 - I read an article about fishing lines that included your Saltline. It stated that Fenwick Saltline features exclusive ultraviolet inhibitors that keep it stronger than other lines. Is this true?
A9 - YES! Unlike other line brands, Fenwick does include ultraviolet inhibitors in its formulation for Saltline and Flexline® 2. This inhibitor works very similarly to the way that sunscreen works on your skin to keep the sun's UV rays from damaging your line. Many people are unaware that UV can dramatically reduce the strength and performance qualities of fishing line. After 500 hours of testing, Fenwick monofilament actually maintained 96% of its original strength while Stren® could only maintain 32% of it original strength. After a few days of fishing, which line would you prefer to use when the big fish strikes?
Q10 - I just tried one of your new Frantic Action Lures and it casts as good as it looks. Why do Fenwick lures seem to cast farther than the other lures on the market?
A10 - Each Fenwick Frantic Action Lure features a unique system of chambered ball bearings that we call our Weight Transfer System. These chambers are unique in each bait, and are responsible for the wild and frantic swimming behavior these baits feature. This same weight transfer feature causes the weight of the bait to transfer to the back during the cast, which keeps the bait tracking straight through the air and increases casting distance, as you have noticed. Be sure to check out Fenwick's latest lure introduction in this Web site.
Q11 - I have been fishing your Triple-Sharpened™ hooks since I first saw them about a year ago. I am also a fly fisherman and enjoy tying my own flies. Do you plan to bring out your hooks in the sizes and styles needed for us fly tiers? Keep up the good work!
A11 - YES! Fenwick has just expanded our Triple-Sharpened™ hook series to include fly-tying styles. You can review all of these premium hooks within this Web site, but be careful as you preview the page--even the photos of these hooks look sharp!
