High sticking is the leading cause of broken fishing rods. This occurs when lifting the rod tip too high or lifting fish out of the water. Beginners and novice anglers commit the action frequently. A lot of people jerk to remove snags also. They tend to high stick in doing this act.
Preventing high sticking is easy. Do not lift the rod to an angle steeper than 60 degrees. Once you approach 75 to 90 degrees a broken rod is likely to be the result. People lifting fish do not pay attention and do this a lot. Always pay attention to your rod’s angle.
At the lower angles between 45 and 60 degrees. The pressure is spread throughout the blank of the rod. The pressure focuses on the tip section when lifting the rod to a steeper angle. This is high sticking. The tip is the weakest part of the rod. You want the pressure spread out. It prevents the rod from breaking and uses the whole rod for fighting a fish.
Preventing High Sticking
As you bring the fish in, watch the angle between the line and rod. Closer to shore the angle will get steeper. Keep the rod at 45 degrees when approaching shore or boat with a fish on. The lower angle prevents high sticking. Use a net to land fish or lip the fish. If you pay attention and practice proper rod technique. A broken rod rarely or never happens while fishing. Plus you will land more fish.
Set the drag properly. People set the drag too high leading to broken rods also. When the drag is set right. You will get good hooksets, the fish can run when needed, and it prevents broken rods.
If you are in a snag do not jerk with the rod. Point the rod at the snag, the rod and line should be straight toward the snag. Pluck the line a few times allowing some slack. In many instances, this pops a lure or sinker loose. You may have to repeat the action several times.
If the lure is still caught in the snag, keep the line and rod straight. Pull-on the line to snap it off or break it free. Using a jerking motion will result in high sticking. Do not use the rod or reel to pull out of a snag. Using the rod or reel will damage the gear.
Proper care of tackle ensures a longer life. Reels need cleaning and lubrication, the cork handle needs to be cleaned, and if desired a sealer. A rod sleeve protects the blank from scratches, nicks, and scuffs that damage the clear coat.
Conclusion
Proper care of fishing rods goes beyond cleaning and inspection. You need to avoid high-sticking or other harmful acts with a rod. When a rod breaks it is almost always a user error. Less than 1-2 % of rods have defects from the factory.